The Women and Child Protection Act, introduced as S.B. No. 2880, seeks to impose stricter regulations on abortion practices in Texas, particularly concerning abortion-inducing drugs. The bill establishes Chapter 171A in the Health and Safety Code, defining key terms and prohibiting the manufacture, possession, distribution, and provision of abortion-inducing drugs. It also introduces civil liability for individuals involved in the distribution of these drugs, allowing private civil actions for wrongful death or personal injury. The legislation includes protections for women seeking abortions and outlines defenses for those accused of violating the law. Additionally, it specifies that defendants have the burden of proving affirmative defenses and sets a statute of limitations of six years for actions related to abortion-inducing drugs.

Moreover, the bill addresses qui tam actions against interactive computer service providers that facilitate access to abortion-related information, establishing remedies and protections for defendants while ensuring First Amendment rights are maintained. It also criminalizes certain actions related to abortion, such as paying for or reimbursing abortion costs, and outlines the Attorney General's authority to prosecute violations of abortion laws. The bill amends existing laws regarding civil actions and court jurisdiction, reinforcing Texas's public policy on abortion and ensuring that any contractual provisions requiring the application of laws from other jurisdictions are void. Overall, the legislation aims to create a comprehensive legal framework regulating abortion practices while providing avenues for civil recourse and maintaining constitutional protections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 27.010 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code 27)