Abortion

Known as SB 8, the law bans almost all abortions in the state after about six weeks of pregnancy, even in cases of rape, sexual abuse and incest.

The Department of Health and Human Services said Monday its new regulation, which will go into effect Nov. 8, will restore clinics' ability to refer women seeking abortions to a provider.

A federal judge will decide whether to block Texas' new restrictive abortion law after hearing from Justice Department attorneys and lawyers for the state. He offered no timetable for a decision.

The law bans nearly all abortions, and doctors providing pregnancy care are hoping for more clarity soon, as legal challenges continue.

The vote is an attempt by Democrats to protect abortion rights as states set increasingly restrictive laws. But the bill faces dim prospects in the Senate.

"Today is a historic day for the rights of all Mexican women," said Supreme Court Chief Justice Arturo Zaldivar on Tuesday.

A new law in Texas makes it illegal to have an abortion after six weeks, as well as to help anyone have an abortion. Activists are spamming a website set up to report people for violating the law.

The new Texas law bans abortions after a 'fetal heartbeat' is detected, usually about six weeks into pregnancy. But doctors say that's not an actual medical term, and it's being used inaccurately.

The law bans abortions after cardiac activity is detected, usually about six weeks into pregnancy and well before many people even know they are pregnant. The ruling is at odds with court precedents.

The law also allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion, including those who give a woman a ride to a clinic.

Doctors are using conscientious objection to turn down patients. Religious anti-abortion clinics are springing up. Advocates say abortion rights are under threat again in Romania.

The president is one of a disappearing group of politicians who sought moderate compromises on abortion. His supporters want faster changes. But abortion-rights opponents are also taking him to task.