The Woman and Child Protection Act proposes significant amendments to the Texas Health and Safety Code, particularly concerning abortion and abortion-inducing drugs. It establishes Chapter 171A, which defines relevant terms and limits liability for actions related to these drugs. The bill prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and provision of abortion-inducing drugs, with exceptions for medical emergencies. It also clarifies that Texas courts lack jurisdiction over claims seeking to impose liability on individuals or entities involved in these actions. Additionally, the bill allows private individuals to initiate qui tam actions against violators, provides immunity defenses, and designates the Fifteenth Court of Appeals as the exclusive appellate jurisdiction for certain appeals.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions related to civil liability for facilitating abortion, including a six-year statute of limitations for bringing actions and remedies for qui tam relators, such as injunctive relief and statutory damages. It emphasizes the jurisdiction of Texas courts in qui tam actions and protects defendants from out-of-state clawback provisions. The Attorney General is granted authority to act on behalf of unborn children in violations of criminal abortion laws, while ensuring that women seeking abortions cannot be prosecuted. The bill also limits judicial review and imposes financial penalties for actions challenging abortion laws, establishing that Texas courts cannot grant relief that would invalidate the new provisions. These changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and apply only to causes of action accruing after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Civil Practice and Remedies Code 27.010, Chapter , Civil Practice and Remedies Code 30.022, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 30.022 (Chapter , Civil Practice and Remedies Code 30, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 30, Civil Practice and Remedies Code 27)