The ACLU of Texas, along with ACLU National, are representing the Houston Women's Clinic in a lawsuit challenging the State of Texas' efforts to block people’s access to abortion care during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working as part of a team with Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and the Lawyering Project, who represent other clinics.
On March 22, Governor Greg Abbott enacted executive order GA-09, causing an interruption in abortion services across Texas. Despite the executive order, abortion remained legal in Texas, however, abortion providers were unable to operate based on the restrictions outlined in GA-09.
The governor’s executive order expired on April 21 and a new executive order, GA-15, has gone into effect. Abortion providers can resume services under the process laid out by the new order, and Texans can again access essential abortion care services.
Update 1/25/21: At the request of the plaintiffs, the Supreme Court ordered the 5th Circuit to dismiss the case because of Abbott's executive order which allowed abortion providers to resume operations. The case is now closed.
