Whole Woman's Health and fellow plaintiffs accused the Texas legislature of “well-documented hostility to the rights of pregnant people.”
The ordinances in participating Texas "sanctuaries" have evolved and possibly culminated in the small town of Sterling City.
“Plaintiffs admit that this Court cannot force the city to revoke or amend its ordinance," Judge Hendrix wrote.
Though Texas follows several other states in passing a law to ban abortions after a pulse is detected, the "Texas Heartbeat Act" is unique.
Planned Parenthood claims the Lubbock ordinance runs afoul of both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, echoing concerns of city leaders.
Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R-Arlington) said Republicans are counting on voters, the “lowest level of local control,” to reach out to lawmakers.
