How federal laws set the baseline for women’s health, safety, and access
Federal laws play a powerful role in shaping women’s rights in the United States. Even when enforcement and impact
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HB 7 authorizes private citizens to sue those who manufacture, distribute, mail, deliver, prescribe, or otherwise provide abortion-inducing drugs to or from Texas. The law exempts pregnant patients from being sued, and includes limited exceptions such as medical emergencies and ectopic pregnancy. Signed on September 3, 2025, the law will go into effect on December 4, 2025.
Note: This post was updated on 8 December to include the two articles below (see Resources). They provide additional context on the broader national and inter-state fights around medication abortion.
Why it matters
There are two major takeaways: First, medication abortion is the most common method in the US, equating to 6 out of every 10 abortions nationally. And that doesn't include women who end pregnancies at home using doctor-prescribed medication. Second, the ability of Texas citizens to file lawsuits against abortion pill providers (doctors, manufacturers, distributors) outside the state makes this state law a national problem.
Critics assert that HB7 intends to test interstate defenses like shield laws that several pro-choice states erected when Roe v Wade was overturned, potentially restricting medication abortion nationwide if providers fear lawsuits.
Background
Under the bill, abortion pill providers could be ordered to pay up to $100,000. But only the pregnant woman, the man who impregnated her, or other close relatives could collect the entire amount. Anyone else who sues could receive a maximum of $10,000, with the remaining $90,000 going to charity.
Lawmakers also added language to address worries that women would be turned in for seeking to end pregnancies by men who raped them or their abusive partners. For instance, a man who impregnated a woman through sexual assault would not be eligible. However, the woman would first have to prove the assault charge.
Resources
Center for Reproductive Rights - Four Things to Know About HB7, Texas’s New Abortion Law
The 19th - Texas’s new abortion ban aims to stop doctors from sending abortion pills to the state
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