The Texas House formally approved the anti-abortion bill SB5 yesterday, which limits access to abortions in the state. A Senate committee takes up the bill today, and the full Texas Senate is expected to vote on it tomorrow.
The measure bans abortion after 20 weeks. It also only allows abortions in facilities that are certified as surgical centers. Opponents say the new law will make it almost impossible for many women, especially low-income Texans, to obtain abortions.
Texas state Senator Wendy Davis filibustered against the bill in the last attempt to pass it.
For many low income women in Texas, dangerous and unhealthy alternatives to clinical abortion are an ongoing reality.
Bloomberg reporter Esme Deprez visited South Texas, and has written a report about so-called flea market abortions. She says there's already a well-established black market for miscarriage-inducing drugs.