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Supreme Court refuses to block Texas abortion ban

A new law bans abortion in Texas from as early as six weeks. The law took effect after the Supreme Court did not respond to an emergency appeal by abortion providers.

A law banning abortion from as early as six weeks has come into effect in the US state of Texas. The law came in after the Supreme Court did not respond to an emergency appeal by abortion providers. The law bans abortion once foetal cardiac activity is detected on an ultrasound, usually around 6 weeks.

Mary Tuma is a journalist in Texas who has been looking at the issue for the last 10 years. She told Newsday:

“Because the vast majority of abortion-seeking women don't know they are pregnant early on, it amounts to a near total ban on abortion here in Texas.”

“The law targets anyone who aids or abets a procedure. It empowers anti-choice activists to sue providers.”

Abortion providers have asked the Supreme Court to block the legislation.

“The law is truly unprecedented and devastating to women’s healthcare. Texas politicians have long wanted to abolish abortion here in the state, and with the help of the more conservative Supreme Court, they got their wishes.”

Photo: Pro-life protesters in Austin, Texas (Getty Images)

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