Christian Headlines: A new Texas law that prohibits abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected has led to a 50 percent decline in abortions in the state, according to a new University of Texas study.
Researchers at the university’s Texas Policy Evaluation Project studied data from state clinics and found that abortions in September – the first full month the law was in effect – plummeted 49.8 percent compared to the same month one year earlier.
“Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are His deeds,
and His righteousness endures forever.” Psalm 111:2-3
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in an emergency appeal from abortion clinics and the Biden administration, each of which is asking the justices to block the law. It is not known when the court will rule.
The law requires abortion doctors to test for a fetal heartbeat. If one is detected – which typically occurs at about six weeks of pregnancy – then abortion is banned except in cases of a medical emergency.
The law’s unique structure has made it difficult to challenge in court. The law gives sole enforcement power to citizens, who under the law can sue anyone who aids in an illegal abortion. Damages of up to $10,000 are allowed.
“This is the most restrictive state-level abortion law in effect in the U.S., and it is expected to have a substantial impact on the number of facility-based abortions provided in Texas,” the study said.
