The Women and Child Safety Act proposes stringent regulations on abortion and the distribution of abortion-inducing drugs in Texas, asserting that human life begins at fertilization and categorizing abortion as a violent act. The bill introduces Chapter 171A to the Health and Safety Code, which defines abortion-related terms and prohibits the manufacture, possession, and distribution of abortion-inducing drugs. It establishes civil liability for violations, allowing claims for wrongful death or personal injury, while protecting women seeking abortions and those acting under federal law from legal action. The bill also outlines specific defenses against claims and sets a six-year statute of limitations for actions related to abortion-inducing drugs.

Additionally, the bill creates a new subchapter mandating internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to certain websites related to elective abortions and allows individuals to notify ISPs of accessible information. It criminalizes actions such as paying for abortion costs and the destruction of evidence related to abortions, with no statute of limitations for such offenses. The legislation also clarifies the scope of sovereign immunity in state and federal courts, ensuring that judicial relief that disregards this immunity is void. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies only to causes of action accruing on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Penal Code 71.02 (Penal Code 71)