The US Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to block the 6-week abortion law in Texas. The law states that once cardiac activity of the fetus is detected (which is typically around 6 weeks), no woman would be allowed to go for an abortion. There is no exception for rape or incest, although there is an exception for rare 'medical emergencies.'
The request for blocking the 6-week abortion law was brought by abortion providers. They pleaded before the Court to block the ban, contending that it would "immediately and catastrophically reduce abortion access in Texas," ultimately forcing many abortion clinics to close.
Further, they argued that if the law were allowed to come into force, it would have the impact of barring care for at least 85% of Texas abortion patients" and would mean that lawsuits could be filed against a broad range of people including a person who drives their friend to obtain an abortion, someone who provides financial assistance and even against a member of the clergy who assists a patient.
The law so passed will result in the filing of civil suits by private citizens against anyone who assisted a pregnant woman seeking an abortion in breach of the law.
US President Joe Biden condemned the Supreme Court's refusal to block the abortion law and called it "extreme" and a blatant violation of women's constitutional rights.
"The Texas law will significantly impair women's access to the health care they need, particularly for communities of color and individuals with low incomes," Joe Biden said.
In reaction to the development, Vice President Kamala D. Harris issued a statement that "The Biden-Harris Administration will always fight to protect access to healthcare and defend a woman's right to make decisions about her body and determine her future."