Published

October 06, 2021

NEWS RELEASE:
Federal Judge Blocks Enforcement of Texas Heartbeat Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2021

CONTACT
Amy O’Donnell, Director of Communications
512.477.1244 (o)
amy@texasallianceforlife.org

AUSTIN, TX — This evening, Federal District Court Judge Robert Pitman issued a sweeping order blocking the Texas Heartbeat Act from being enforced. At the request of the Biden-Harris Administration, Judge Pitman issued an injunction preventing Texas judges and court clerks from processing and deciding cases in which citizens bring lawsuits against abortion providers or against individuals or organizations who fund or promote abortion. In this highly unusual move, Judge Pitman enjoined the entirety of the state’s judiciary from considering any cases under the law.

“We are deeply disappointed by Judge Pitman’s actions today,” said Joe Pojman, Ph.D., Texas Alliance for Life’s executive director.

“Every day since September 1 that the law has been in effect has been a tremendous victory for unborn children who would otherwise have lost their lives to abortion. We are hopeful that this is not the last word and that the Fifth Circuit will reverse Judge Pitman’s order. At the same time, the State of Texas provides vast resources to women with unplanned pregnancies through the Alternatives to Abortion program funded at $100 million for the next two years. That program will assist 150,000 women a year and provide services for three years after the births of their children. Additionally, hundreds of privately funded non-profit organizations and church-based programs provide services to pregnant women through birth and beyond.”

Passed by the Texas Legislature and signed by pro-life Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Heartbeat Act protects unborn babies from abortion when their heartbeats are detected.

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