Reproductive & Gender Justice NOW Key Issues

Key legislative challenges include the ongoing enforcement of laws like S.B. 8, which introduced civil penalties for anyone aiding or performing abortions, effectively limiting access even further. The consequences of this legal environment extend beyond abortion, potentially threatening access to other forms of reproductive health care, such as contraception and comprehensive sexual education​

(Texas Impact)

The Current State of Reproductive Rights

The current state of reproductive rights in Texas reflects one of the most restrictive landscapes in the U.S., particularly after the Dobbs decision in 2022. Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Texas implemented stringent abortion bans, allowing few exceptions. Currently, abortion is prohibited unless the mother’s life is in danger or there are severe fetal abnormalities. The impact of these restrictions is evident in rising maternal and infant mortality rates, particularly among marginalized communities such as low-income individuals (Texas Impact & Baker Institute)