The Women and Child Safety Act, introduced as H.B. No. 80 by Toth, seeks to impose stringent regulations on abortion and the distribution of abortion-inducing drugs in Texas. The bill asserts that human life begins at fertilization, categorizing abortion as a violent act that terminates a human life, and emphasizes equal protection for unborn children under the law. It introduces Chapter 171A to the Health and Safety Code, which defines abortion-related terms and establishes prohibitions against the manufacture and distribution of abortion-inducing drugs. The bill holds individuals and entities civilly liable for violations, while providing specific defenses for those accused, and clarifies that women seeking abortions cannot be sued under these provisions.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new subchapter mandating internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to websites related to elective abortions and abortion-inducing drugs, granting them immunity for compliance. It establishes criminal offenses for actions such as paying for abortion costs and the destruction of evidence related to abortions, while allowing the attorney general to pursue violations on behalf of unborn children. The legislation also amends the legal framework surrounding sovereign immunity, ensuring it applies universally across courts and cannot be waived unless explicitly stated. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause to maintain the validity of remaining provisions if any part is found unconstitutional.

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