In March, Gov. Greg Abbott barred all procedures not “immediately medically necessary,” and the state’s attorney general declared that the restriction applied to abortions — sparking a weekslong court fight and prompting some women to seek abortions out of state.
Courts
Stay up to date on Texas courts with in-depth coverage of major rulings, judicial elections, criminal justice, and the judges shaping state law from The Texas Tribune.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Federal appeals court allows medication abortions in Texas during coronavirus pandemic
The appeals court’s latest ruling comes after abortion providers and state officials have battled over what access to the procedure should be allowed during the public health crisis.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas Supreme Court stays lower court ruling, temporarily reviving Gov. Abbott’s order restricting jail release
On Friday, a state district judge blocked enforcement of Abbott’s order, which prohibits jail release for some inmates without paying bail during the coronavirus pandemic. She cited unconstitutional provisions and executive overreach as reasons for her order.
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Court blocks Gov. Abbott’s order limiting jail release during pandemic after judges challenged its constitutionality
The governor’s order prohibited judges from releasing some inmates without paying bail. The lawsuit filed Wednesday argued it violated the constitutional separation of powers and discriminated against poor defendants.
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Texas banned abortion during the pandemic, but she got one anyway. How the legal battle is creating confusion for clinics
The courts volleyed back and forth this week, siding in turns with the state and then with abortion providers. But clinics across the state are responding inconsistently, with some shutting down altogether while they await a final answer.
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Federal appeals court once again allows Texas to block many abortions, but allows some pregnant women to proceed
Abortion providers said the latest ruling from the federal appeals court leaves abortion “largely inaccessible” in Texas.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Some abortions may proceed in Texas during the coronavirus pandemic, federal judge rules
In his second rebuke to state officials, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled Thursday that certain patients may undergo abortions as Texas battles the new coronavirus.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Harris County judges, ACLU sue Greg Abbott over order limiting jail releases during pandemic
Misdemeanor judges and criminal defense organizations argue the governor’s order unconstitutionally oversteps his authority over judges and creates a wealth-based detention system. It’s the second court challenge to the order.
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Texas can enforce abortion ban during coronavirus pandemic, federal appeals court rules
Republican state officials have said barring the procedure in almost all cases is essential for preserving hospital resources during the pandemic. Abortion providers call it political opportunism — and unconstitutional.
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Coronavirus in Texas 4/1: El Paso strengthens stay-at-home order
Our staff is closely tracking developments on the new coronavirus in Texas. Check here for live updates.
