Pregnant Texan Woman Given Permission for Abortion Despite State Ban on the Procedure

A woman in Texas has been given permission by a judge to have an abortion despite the state's ban on the procedure. This ruling, which Texas may challenge, is one of the first attempts to seek a court-ordered abortion. Abortion in Texas is only allowed if it is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman. However, abortion advocates argue that this exception is too vague and puts women at risk. The woman, Kate Cox, is 20 weeks pregnant and her fetus has been diagnosed with trisomy 18, a lethal condition that usually results in miscarriage or stillbirth. Her doctors have informed her that they are unable to perform an abortion as long as the baby has a heartbeat, due to the state's abortion ban. Continuing with the pregnancy poses a risk to her health and future ability to have children. Ms. Cox's petition to have an abortion was granted by Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, who issued a temporary restraining order allowing her to terminate her pregnancy. Lawyers for the state may seek to block this order. This case could compel the state to provide clearer guidelines on when abortions are allowed under the current law. Texas is also facing another attempt to clarify its abortion ban through a case led by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Abortion providers in Texas face severe penalties, including imprisonment and loss of their medical license, which has left doctors fearful of using their medical judgment. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, decisions about abortion have been left to individual states.