August 2016 State of Texas abortion restrictions

State of Texas: Abortion Access, by the Numbers

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A version of this story ran in the August 2016 issue.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Texas’ House Bill 2, one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. But the damage was already done. Data released by the state health department in the wake of the decision confirmed what the plaintiffs in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt had contended: HB 2 drastically reduced Texas women’s ability to access abortion and it had a disproportionate impact on poor women of color. More than 20 abortion clinics shut down after HB 2 was passed in 2013. Those clinics cannot be reopened overnight and some will never return, pro-choice advocates said.

texas abortion law effects, by the numbers
Joanna Wojtkowiak