Abortion Laws in Texas: Who Should Qualify and What Should Be Considered a Medical Emergency?

With Texas lawmakers recently revisiting the language in the state’s abortion ban, a lot of people are asking: Who exactly should be allowed to get an abortion — and under what circumstances? It’s a complicated topic, but one that deserves honest discussion.

The proposed bipartisan bill, aimed at clarifying the “medical emergency” exception in Texas’ abortion ban, has been revised after pushback from abortion rights activists. Some feared it would accidentally re-enforce a 19th-century law that criminalizes abortion seekers and those who assist them — a law that’s still being challenged in court.

But let’s set the legal back-and-forth aside for a moment and talk about what many everyday Texans are wondering: Who should qualify for an abortion?

Defining the “Who”

In my opinion, an abortion — by definition — is the termination of a healthy pregnancy. And if we’re talking about who should be allowed access to that kind of abortion, it needs to start with the most vulnerable:

• Rape victims, regardless of age.
• Minors under the age of 18, who are not emotionally or physically ready to carry a child — especially if the pregnancy was non-consensual or the result of manipulation.

That said, this introduces a whole new challenge: proving rape. Unfortunately, false accusations do happen. Some may see abortion as a way out of an unwanted pregnancy and may misuse the system. It’s a heartbreaking double-edge — because for every woman who bravely comes forward with a real trauma, there’s a fear that someone else’s lie could undermine her.

And what about situations where a minor says they were raped, but it turns out they were in a consensual (but still illegal due to age) relationship? The line is blurry, but the law needs to do better at distinguishing between criminal predation and underage consent — while still protecting young girls.

Clarifying “Medical Emergencies”

Then there’s the question of medical abortion — which is different from elective abortion. A true medical emergency should mean that the mother’s life is on the line. We’re talking about:

• Ectopic pregnancy (where the embryo implants outside the uterus)
• Cancer diagnoses requiring immediate treatment
• Severe heart conditions or organ failure that could be fatal during pregnancy

These are not elective decisions. These are cases where continuing the pregnancy could literally kill the mother. That’s a critical distinction.

But — and this may not be popular to say — I don’t believe a baby having a disability should qualify as a medical reason for abortion. If the baby is healthy and viable, even if they’re going to be born with Down syndrome or a different condition that may make life more complex, that is not a reason to end their life. A disability doesn’t make someone less human or less deserving of life.

There are other options after birth if a parent feels unprepared — including adoption or support through community services. Taking a life because it will be “harder” is a slippery slope.

Final Thoughts

We can’t have honest conversations about abortion if we don’t clarify the terms. The difference between an emergency and a preference matters. The difference between trauma and inconvenience matters.

This isn’t about being extreme on either side. It’s about protecting the truly vulnerable, both born and unborn — and ensuring that laws reflect compassion and clarity.

READ WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/abortion-ban-exception-20290333.php?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2025425_Newsletter_Houston&utm_term=Houston