CNN —The Texas Supreme Court said a medical exemption in the state’s abortion ban applies only when a person is at risk of death or serious physical impairment, ruling Friday against women who sued the state with claims that the ban had put their health at risk.
“Because the trial court’s order opens the door to permit abortion to address any pregnancy risk, it is not a faithful interpretation of the law,” the state Supreme Court said.
The Texas Supreme Court said the challengers did not prove the abortion ban, with its narrow medical emergency exemption, violated the state constitution.
“Today, the Supreme Court of Texas unanimously upheld the Human Life Protection Act, one of our state’s pro-life laws,” said Paxton, a Republican.
The ruling called on the Texas Medical Board to issue more guidance to clear up confusion around when the exemption applies.
Persons:
Ken Paxton, ”, Paxton, “, Nancy Northup, ” Northup, Jane Bland, Amanda Zurawski, Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B, Anthony Pro, Marc Hearron, CNN’s Elizabeth Cohen, John Bonifield
Organizations:
CNN, The, The Texas Supreme, Texas Supreme, Republican, Reproductive Rights, Texas Medical Board, Texas Medical, Center for Reproductive Rights
Locations:
The Texas, Texas