U.S. Department of Justice Sues Texas Over 'Abortion Ban'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The U.S. Department of Justice is taking legal action against Texas' abortion ban law, which prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, deeming it unconstitutional.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on the 9th (local time), the DOJ filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas in the federal district court in Austin, Texas.

In the complaint submitted to the court, the DOJ argued that Texas' abortion ban law openly defies the Constitution and makes abortion procedures extremely difficult, thereby blocking Texas women's exercise of their constitutional rights.

They requested the law be invalidated and asked the court to prevent state authorities and individuals opposing abortion under this law from enforcing it.

Attorney General Merrick Garland held a press conference that day, condemning, "This kind of tactic to nullify the U.S. Constitution is something Americans should fear regardless of political affiliation."

He warned, "Texas' abortion ban law is clearly unconstitutional," and added, "If this kind of tactic succeeds, other states may use it as a model."

Earlier, Texas implemented a near-total abortion ban law prohibiting abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, including pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.

In response, President Joe Biden ordered a review of countermeasures, including legal actions, stating that the Texas law infringes on the constitutional right to abortion.

In a statement, President Biden emphasized, "This extreme law violates constitutional rights that have been upheld for about half a century," and "Our administration will defend and protect constitutional rights."

Although the law is highly controversial, legal action is not straightforward. Texas did not grant enforcement authority to the state government when implementing this law, instead designating individuals as the subjects of lawsuits.

Anyone involved in abortion-related activities?doctors performing abortions, drivers taking pregnant women to clinics, and others?can be sued, and if they win the lawsuit, they receive a $10,000 reward.

This is why the DOJ, while suing the state authorities, also requested the court to block individuals from enforcing the law.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.