Congressman Horsford Speaks Out Against Texas Abortion Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) issued the following statement after the Supreme Court refused to block a new Texas law that bans abortion after six weeks, before many people know they are pregnant.

"The right to safe, legal reproductive care should not depend on your zip code," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "The Supreme Court's decision not to block Texas's unconstitutional abortion ban sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine the rights of pregnant people across our nation. When politicians attack reproductive rights, low-income people, people of color, and those in rural communities suffer the most. Congress must protect access to care by making Roe v. Wade permanent."

The new Texas law encourages ordinary citizens to sue any person who helps another get an abortion after six weeks — including family members, health care providers, or even those with no connection to the patient, like taxi drivers. It does not include any exception for victims of rape or incest. Planned Parenthood Action Fund has described the law as "a blueprint for other states to take away your rights."

Congressman Horsford is committed to protecting access to reproductive care. Earlier this year, he introduced the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation that would establish a national right to receive or provide abortion care without medically unnecessary barriers.

The Women's Health Protection Act would supersede Texas's unconstitutional law and protect against some of the most common tactics intended to limit women's access to care, including:

• Mandatory medical procedures (e.g. unnecessary ultrasounds)
• Medically inaccurate counseling
• Required waiting periods or multiple unnecessary visits to health care facilities
• Restrictions on abortion telemedicine

Media Contact
Geneva Kropper | geneva.kropper@mail.house.gov | 202-849-0251