Five women are suing Texas over the state's strict abortion ban, hoping to clarify the law's narrow exception for abortions in the case of a "medical emergency." The women—all of whom were denied abortions despite life-threatening complications or significant fetal abnormalities—say the statute is vague, leaving hospitals and doctors with "widespread fear and confusion," and thus is likely to deny women lifesaving care out of fear of prosecution.
"Abortion bans are preventing pregnant people from receiving the standard of care from their medical professionals in times of crisis," the lawsuit states. "Pervasive fear and uncertainty throughout the medical community regarding the scope of the life and health exceptions have put patients' lives and physicians' liberty at grave risk."
