Strike down the 6 week abortion ban

Texas legislators, strike down SB 8. This bill allows any private party to sue a person involved in the abortion of a fetus after 6 weeks, in a dismemberment abortion, in a partial birth abortion, in discarding fetal or embryonic tissue, and in the sale or transportation of fetal or embryonic tissue unless the pregnancy was the result of illegal activity (for abortion) or if the tissue is being used for recorded and compliant research (discarding and transportation). SB 8 is a violation of the right to bodily autonomy, and a near complete ban on abortion. While it may be compliant with Roe v. Wade as it is not technically a full ban, this law removes the right to an abortion just two weeks after a person misses their first period following conception. This would not allow that person enough time to confirm their pregnancy with their physician and schedule a compliant abortion. Additionally, this law criminalizes those who miscarry. In allowing private parties to not only sue anyone who they believe is involved with an unlawful death of a fetus, but those they believe are involved in the burial, cremation, or discarding of fetal or embryonic tissue, this bill effectively criminalizes miscarriage or the mourning process thereafter. This law also criminalizes groups who aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of rape victims and/or victims of sexual violence and assault. Any group who funds or aids in the abortion of a pregnancy that is the result of a rape that either hasn’t been reported or hasn’t been recognized by a court of law will be susceptible to a felony charge. 6 weeks is not enough time for a rape to be prosecuted in a court of law, so nearly all abortions that occur as a result of a rape are thereby illegal, even though the law outlines in broad terms that abortions in this event should be protected. The language in this bill is far too broad and far too discriminatory. It is a direct attack not only to those who can carry a pregnancy, but physicians, family members, non-profit groups, etc. Sign this petition to take a stand against this corrupt bill. Lawmakers, please rethink the parameters of this bill and the deep harm it will cause to both this state’s healthcare and judiciary systems. Thank you.