Texas abortion law resembles local Second Amendment advocacy efforts By Alma Jasencic

Texas recently passed one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the U.S. prohibiting women from having abortions after six weeks of pregnancy without exceptions for rape or incest. The law enables citizens to bring forth civil lawsuits against anyone aiding women seeking abortions after six weeks.

This week, Alan Braid, a doctor in Texas, violated the law, explaining why in a Washington Post op-ed. Braid is now being sued, prompting a legal battle over the constitutionality of the law.

Texas is not the only state to enable citizens to bring lawsuits against those who fail to follow the law. This mechanism has been used in Second Amendment sanctuary laws, including Upstate New York..

Two local townships in Cortland County recently passed this type of legislation. These laws stipulate that “any new federal or state gun laws shall be considered null, void, and of no effect” within those counties.

Bob Spitzer, distinguished professor of political science at SUNY Cortland, told Ivory Tower (WCNY) that enforcement is similar to that of the new abortion law in Texas.  Those who violate local laws can be sued by residents for fines between $500 and $2,000.

Alma Jasencic is a Political Science student at Utica College