What The Most Recent Supreme Court Decision on Abortion Means For Texans
Updated: August 22, 2022
Is abortion legal in Texas?
A: With the overturn of Roe v. Wade in the recent decision from the Supreme Court of the United States, abortion will be banned in Texas 30 days after the date of the decision. Those performing abortions and potentially those who “aid or abet” abortions in Texas will be subject to significant criminal penalties at that time, but a pregnant person cannot be prosecuted. Additionally, SB8 still imposes civil penalties of $10,000 on anyone other than a pregnant person who provides or assists with abortions in Texas, and allows any person in Texas (other than state employees) to sue under its provisions.
How do I find a clinic I can go to out of state?
A: Visit NeedAbortion.org or AbortionFinder.org for information.
How long should I expect to be traveling to get an abortion? How much time off do I need?
A: Time away for your appointment depends on many factors, including where your appointment is located and what laws are in effect in the state where your appointment is located. Visit NeedAbortion.org or AbortionFinder.org for more information.
Can Lilith Fund help pay for my abortion procedure?
A: Lilith Fund has been forced to pause direct funding of abortion care while we evaluate the impact of the recent decision by the United States Supreme Court in the Jackson Women’s Health v. Dobbs case. If you live in Texas and would like to talk to Lilith Fund to discuss your pregnancy options, please call 1.877.659.4304 on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 7am-10am CST and leave a message. A member of our team will call you back. You can also visit NeedAbortion.org for a list of resources for Texans.
Can Lilith Fund help cover other costs related to my abortion?
A: No, Lilith Fund cannot cover costs related to abortion care at this time.
Can Lilith Fund help pay for other pregnancy-related costs or healthcare?
A: Yes, We are now offering direct financial assistance for reproductive healthcare services at our trusted partner clinics, including ultrasounds, screenings, contraceptives, counseling, and more. We are assisting all Texans who are traveling out of state for care, along with Texans seeking care within our service areas (Austin, Houston, and San Antonio). We continue to offer information about pregnancy options, resources, and referrals for all Texans who call us.
Why aren’t you still funding abortion?
A: The decision from the Supreme Court in the Jackson Women’s Health v. Dobbs case has unique implications for Lilith Fund as an organization based in Texas, which has been a test battleground for anti-abortion activists. In Texas, there are statutes that pre-date the Roe v. Wade decision that these activists incorrectly argue could go back into effect as a result of the Dobbs decision. While legal analysis is still in the early stages, we understand the pre-Roe statutes specifically make “furnishing the means to procure an abortion” illegal in Texas with civil and criminal penalties. Our organization has been repeatedly threatened by activists and even legislators, even without any real basis in law. We want to protect our abortion fund staff and volunteers to the greatest degree possible from the risk of arrest and involvement with the racist criminal justice system. Despite our pause in direct abortion funding, our hotline will remain open to provide information to callers, and we will continue to build reproductive justice programming to meet community needs.
Will LF fund abortion again in the future?
A: Our goal is to resume services as soon as possible, although there may be significant changes in how we operate in order to be most helpful to pregnant Texans in need. This is a temporary setback, and while deeply upsetting, it doesn’t change the fact that we are committed to supporting Texans. We will be back, and we will continue fighting in the meantime.
What will LF do instead?
A: Despite our pause in direct abortion funding, our hotline is open. As of August 2022, Lilith Fund is offering funding for non-abortion reproductive healthcare services at our trusted partner clinics, including ultrasounds, screenings, contraceptives, counseling, and more. We also offer information about pregnancy options, resources, and referrals to callers. We will continue to build reproductive justice programming to meet community needs.
Does Lilith Fund only help Texans? In certain parts of Texas?
A: Lilith Fund was founded in Austin, TX in 2001. We have deep roots in Texas and are experts in the abortion landscape of our state. Historically we have primarily supported Texans in the Central and Southeastern regions of Texas, but we are now available to support all people living in Texas as they navigate an increasingly hostile climate for reproductive rights and justice.
Lilith Fund still needs you as we work through this heartbreaking SCOTUS decision and what it means for Texans and people across the country. We have been through many challenging moments in the past two years alone and supporters like you have been with us every step of the way. However we move forward, we can’t do it without you.
Please consider making a contribution to Lilith Fund.
If you have any donation questions, please refer to our Donor FAQ or send us an email at [email protected].
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