Texas Supreme Court Upholds Near-Total Abortion Ban

Court Rejects Challenge from 20 Women

Unanimous Decision Keeps Ban in Place

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court on Friday rejected a challenge to one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, upholding a near-total ban on the procedure that has been in effect for more than a year.

The court's 8-1 ruling is a major victory for anti-abortion activists and a setback for abortion rights advocates. The law, known as Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), prohibits abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant.

The ruling comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is considering a separate challenge to a similar law in Mississippi. A decision in that case is expected later this year and could have major implications for abortion rights nationwide.

In the Texas case, the plaintiffs argued that SB 8 is unconstitutional because it violates the right to abortion established by the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

However, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that SB 8 is constitutional because it does not ban abortion outright. Instead, it allows private citizens to sue anyone who performs or aids in an abortion after six weeks.

The court's decision is a disappointment to abortion rights advocates, who say it will make it even more difficult for women in Texas to access abortion care.

"This is a devastating blow to abortion access in Texas," said Amy Hagstrom Miller, president and CEO of Whole Woman's Health, which operates abortion clinics in Texas.

Anti-abortion activists, on the other hand, praised the court's decision.

"This is a historic victory for the unborn," said John Seago, president of Texas Right to Life.

The ruling is likely to further divide the country on the issue of abortion.