This archive report was first published on 4 September 2021.
On September 3, 2021, a Texas judge granted a temporary restraining order against Texas Right to Life, the state's largest anti-abortion group, blocking it from suing Planned Parenthood under the terms of the restrictive abortion law that went into effect on September 1, 2021.
Planned Parenthood will still have to comply with the law, which bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. However, under the order, the anti-abortion group, Texas Right to Life, or its associates cannot enforce the law by filing suit against Planned Parenthood, as allowed under the measure.
The judge, Maya Guerra Gamble of State District Court in Travis County, found that the law, Senate Bill 8, created 'a probable, irreparable, and imminent injury' for Planned Parenthood, its staff, and its patients, who 'would have no adequate remedy' if they were sued by Texas Right to Life or anyone affiliated with the group.
The order's reach is narrow and does not preclude other anti-abortion groups or anyone not associated with Texas Right to Life from suing Planned Parenthood. It is set to expire on September 17, 2021.
Planned Parenthood's vice president for public policy litigation and law, Helene Krasnoff, said in a statement, 'We are relieved that the Travis County district court has acted quickly to grant this restraining order against Texas Right to Life and anyone working with them as deputized enforcers of this draconian law.'
Elizabeth Graham, the vice president of Texas Right to Life, responded in a statement, 'Planned Parenthood can keep suing us, but Texas Right to Life will never back down from protecting pregnant women and preborn children from abortion.'
