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Roe v. Wade fallout: Texas 'trigger law' will make abortions a felony when it takes effect

Doctors who perform abortions could face life in prison and fines up to $100,000.

HOUSTON — Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade, states have the power to make their own laws regarding abortion rights, including banning them. 

In Texas, the high court's decision triggers a law that will ban nearly all abortions and make them a felony. 

The "trigger law" was passed last year by the Texas Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.

Attorney General Ken Paxton noted that the "Human Life Protection Act" will take effect 30 days from the court's judgment on Roe v. Wade, which his office says is separate from today's opinion. 

We are checking to determine when the trigger law would go into effect.

Meanwhile, Paxton's office sent out a release, saying his office would be closing at noon today. The release included that the early closure was  "in honor of the nearly 70 million unborn babies killed in the womb since 1973." 

RELATED: Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, allowing states to ban abortions

What is Texas' trigger law?

Here are key elements of the law: 

  • It will outlaw abortions in Texas unless the mother's life is in danger.
  • It will make performing an abortion in Texas a felony crime. 
  • Doctors who perform abortions could face life in prison and fines up to $100,000.

Anti-abortion advocates said the goal is to add civil penalties to the law. 

Texas won't be the only state banning abortion. 

Seth Chandler with the University of Houston Law Center sad about 25 states are going to have very strict limits on abortions. 

 

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