The choice to have abortion is a fundamental human right. However, state governments are passing TRAP laws (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) that create unrealistic regulations that clinics can’t follow. These laws purport to protect women’s health and safety, but they are really just meant to ensure that clinics cannot function. TRAP laws are causing a drastic decrease in the number of clinics across the country, threatening women’s reproductive rights.

HB 2 is a TRAP law that was passed in Texas. It bans abortions after 20 weeks, requires that physicians performing abortions have admitting privileges to a nearby hospital, and specifies that abortion facilities must meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers, among other restrictions. The surgical center and admitting privilege requirements are simply not medically necessary. In fact, doctors performing abortions are usually not able to retain admitting privileges because the abortion procedure does not necessitate enough patient visits to a hospital. Furthermore, because abortion is a medically safe procedure, the majority of clinics never use the equipment required for an ambulatory surgical center.

But why does repealing this particular law matter?

Since HB 2 was signed, most of the abortion clinics in Texas have closed, making it more difficult for women to receive safe and legal abortions. Combating the detrimental HB 2 TRAP law, which is jeopardizing the continued existence of numerous abortion clinics, will substantially improve and secure abortion rights and clinic access for all women.