Texas Abortion Laws: Do They Put Women's Health at Risk?

Despite claims from politicians and abortion activists that female health in Texas is at risk with pro-life laws on the books, new numbers released by the state show that doctors do intervene in cases when the life of the mother is at risk.

Amidst the ongoing debate over abortion rights in the United States, the state of Texas has become a focal point for discussions on the impact of pro-life laws on women's health. Despite claims from politicians, the media, and abortion activists that female health in Texas is severely compromised, recent data released by the state paints a different picture.

The latest data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on induced terminations of pregnancies (ITOP) reveals that doctors in Texas performed 113 abortions to save pregnant women's lives in the 22 months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. These findings challenge the assertion that pro-life laws put women's health at risk when the pregnancy poses a life-threatening danger to the mother.

Texas Abortion Laws: Do They Put Women's Health at Risk?

Texas has a pro-life law that prohibits elective abortions starting at conception, with an exception for medically necessary abortions when the pregnancy causes "a life-threatening physical condition aggravated by, caused by, or arising from a pregnancy that places the female at risk of death or poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function unless the abortion is performed or induced."

This exception is consistent with the laws in every state with a pro-life statute, demonstrating that the preservation of the life of the mother is a paramount consideration in all abortion-related legislation.

Texas Abortion Laws: Do They Put Women's Health at Risk?

Vice President Kamala Harris and her campaign have repeatedly asserted that pro-life laws hinder doctors from performing abortions when a woman's life is at risk. However, the data from Texas directly contradicts this claim, indicating that doctors are intervening to protect the lives of pregnant women in accordance with the exception in the law.

Furthermore, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that physicians may use "reasonable medical judgment" to determine whether a pregnancy requires a medically necessary abortion. This guidance has provided clarity to doctors, reassuring them that they may intervene when necessary without fear of legal consequences.

Texas Abortion Laws: Do They Put Women's Health at Risk?

Dr. Ingrid Skop, vice president and director of medical affairs at Charlotte Lozier Institute, emphasizes that "intentional media misinformation" about Texas pro-life laws initially caused confusion and fear among many physicians. However, the situation has improved after the Texas Medical Board and the Texas Supreme Court issued reassuring guidance to doctors, clarifying their authority to intervene based on their medical judgment.

The Texas ITOP Reports also indicate that physicians have been performing abortions in the rare circumstances when it is necessary to save the life of a mother. In 2023, 62 abortions were performed in hospitals, with 77% being induced by labor and only 6% involving dilation and evacuation procedures.

Texas Abortion Laws: Do They Put Women's Health at Risk?

Similarly, data for the first four months of 2024 shows that 32 abortions have been performed, with 90% occurring between 13 and 25 weeks post-fertilization. These statistics demonstrate that unborn life is being protected in Texas while the state also prioritizes the health and safety of the mother.

Efforts are underway in Texas and other states to combat the misinformation spread by the abortion lobby, which perpetuates confusion among doctors and can ultimately harm women. These efforts aim to ensure that doctors have a clear understanding of the laws and can provide necessary medical care without fear of legal reprisal.

The talking point that pro-life laws endanger women's lives is a tactic used by Democrats to distract from their push for all-trimester abortion, a policy that is unpopular with the majority of Americans.

In contrast to the claims of abortion activists, the data from Texas suggests that pro-life laws do not prevent doctors from intervening when necessary to protect the life of the mother. Misinformation and fear-mongering tactics serve only to delay essential medical care and endanger women's health. It is crucial for all parties to prioritize accurate information and ensure that women have access to the necessary medical care they need.