Texas Senate Bill 8

Texas Senate Bill 8 (SB8), enacted in September 2021, restricts most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, prior to many women realizing they are pregnant. Uniquely, it empowers private citizens to enforce the law by allowing them to sue anyone they believe is aiding an abortion in violation of the law, rather than relying on government enforcement. If proven, plaintiffs can receive damages. The law also limits abortion providers’ practices and courts have challenged its constitutionality, making it a significant and controversial change in abortion regulation.