In 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 8, which banned abortion after embryonic cardiac activity could be detected via ultrasound, which usually happens around 5-6 weeks since a persons last menstrual period. This was the most extreme abortion ban in the country at the time.
Since it went into effect Sept. 1, 2021, even before Roe v. Wade was overturned, people have had to travel out of state to obtain the care they want and need. This is not an easy or simple task.
Our research has shown a slew of barriers people face when accessing abortion care.
For more information about SB8’s impact, read the following briefs:
Texas Senate Bill 8: Medical and Legal Implications, July 2021
Initial Impacts of Texas’ Senate Bill 8 on Abortions in Texas and at Out-of-State Facilities Out-of-State Facilities, October 2021
Out-of-State Travel for Abortion Following Implementation of Texas Senate Bill 8 of Texas Senate Bill 8, March 2022
Reactions to Senate Bill 8 among Texans who Obtained Out-of-State Abortion Care, June 2022