By Megan Wehring
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law legislation Wednesday, May 19 that prohibits abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is as early as six weeks.
"[The Texas Legislature] worked together on a bipartisan basis to pass a bill that I'm about to sign that ensures that the life of every unborn child who has a heartbeat will be saved from the ravages of abortion," Abbott said during a video posted on Facebook.
Under Senate Bill 8, abortion providers would be required to determine there is not a fetal heartbeat before performing an abortion and the procedure would be prohibited if one is detected. Exceptions can be made for medical emergencies but not for rape or incest.
Private citizens would also be allowed to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps someone get an abortion.
The law will take effect on September 1, 2021.
