Texas Becomes First State to Ban Abortion Once Heartbeat Detected

Texas has become the first state in the nation to enact a “Heartbeat” abortion law, which bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

As of 12:00 a.m., September 1, “the Texas Heartbeat Act is in effect,” said a statement from Texas Right to Life, noting the U.S. Supreme Court “has not ruled on abortionists’ request to block the policy.”

“Texas is now the first state ever to enforce a heartbeat law,” the pro-life organization celebrated.

In a last-minute effort to block the law, abortion providers applied to the U.S. Supreme Court for an injunction, but the Court has not yet ruled on the matter – though could do so at any time – and the law, as passed by the Texas legislature and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott (R), is now in effect.