In a shocking turn of events, Cox's plight has been making headlines as her health continues to decline. Diagnosed with trisomy 18 at 20 weeks, her unborn child has a chromosomal disorder that doctors predict will result in a stillborn baby or a brief life span. This heart-wrenching situation led Cox to seek an abortion in Texas, a state that prohibits the procedure.
Her lawyer, Molly Duane from the Center for Reproductive Rights, argued in court that all medical experts advised Cox her baby would not survive long after birth and that the pregnancy posed risks to her own health and future fertility. However, Texas and Attorney General Ken Paxton opposed her plea. Paxton took the case to court to halt the abortion, and just a day after the initial favorable decision, the court suspended it.
Due to the deterioration of her condition and constant threats from the Attorney General, Cox is now compelled to seek medical care outside of Texas. Her lawyers stated on Monday that she's utilizing text-to-speech technology due to these threats.
This unfortunate scenario unfolded after the US Supreme Court repealed the nationwide fundamental right to abortion in June 2022, which had been in effect since 1973. In response, Texas adopted a stringent abortion law, prohibiting the procedure even in cases of incest and rape, except when a woman's life or health is at risk. Doctors in the state complain about the unclear regulations, fearing severe penalties for performing uncovered abortions.
The Supreme Court's decision sparked a political earthquake, as abortion remains a highly controversial issue in the USA. Abortion's complicated landscape in Texas and other conservative states is a constant source of international media attention.
(AFP/cbu)
Additional Insights
The repeal of the nationwide fundamental right to abortion by the US Supreme Court in June 2022 has significantly impacted pregnancy outcomes in Texas and other conservative states. The current abortion laws in Texas can be broken down into key points, as described by the desk-delta analysis:
- Ban on Abortions After Six Weeks: Texas law restricts most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, with limited exceptions for life-threatening conditions of the mother.
- Exceptions and Medical Judgment: Doctors are required to use "reasonable medical judgment" to determine if an abortion can be performed, but the law does not provide clear exemptions.
- Prosecution for Performing Abortions: Physicians who perform abortions after six weeks face severe penalties, including up to 99 years in prison, a $100,000 fine, and loss of their medical license.
- Impact on Pregnant Women: Women with non-viable or life-threatening pregnancies, like Amanda Cox, face significant challenges in accessing abortions.
- Legal Challenges and Outcomes: Despite pleas from women and doctors, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that women do not meet the criteria for a life-threatening condition, even in severe fetal abnormalities or maternal health risks.
This restrictive abortion law has resulted in tragic consequences for some pregnant women, including those who have died or sustained severe health complications due to delayed treatment for unviable pregnancies. The complex situation surrounding abortion in conservative states remains a matter of ongoing concern and debate.
