Abortions in Texas fall 60% in month after law limiting such procedures took effect

Abortion in Texas fell by about 60% during the first month under what is currently the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S.

In September 2021, following the implementation of the new law, which bans the procedure after cardiac activity is detected in a fetus, roughly six weeks after conception, Texas providers performed roughly 2,200 abortions.

The numbers were recently released by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Data will continue to be released on a monthly basis, according to state health officials.

In August, more than 5,400 abortions were provided statewide.

The figures illustrate a more complete image of the impact the law is having on abortion numbers in Texas, where doctors have described a sharp drop in patients since September.

Some patients want to terminate a pregnancy have begun traveling hundreds of miles to clinics in neighboring states. 

The law, opposed by such groups as Planned Parenthood, has so far withstood several legal challenges because of its enforcement mechanism. It allows any private citizen to collect $10,000 or more if they bring a successful lawsuit against someone who performed or helped a woman obtain an abortion after the limited gestation period.

Thus far, no pro-life supporters have filed a suit.

The law arrived as the Supreme Court prepared to begin review of a case that could weaken or reverse the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, depending on how the modern court decides. If the ruling is weakened, as many as half of American states could severely limit abortion access.