Texas Law Shuts Down San Antonio’s Abortion Travel Fund
Texas’ new law banning public funding for out-of-state abortions ended San Antonio’s abortion travel fund and dismissed the state’s lawsuit over it.
SAN ANTONIO, TX — A new Texas law banning public funds from supporting out-of-state abortions has led to the dismissal of the state’s lawsuit against San Antonio over its $100,000 Reproductive Justice Fund. Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated the non-suited case Friday, claiming victory and asserting that taxpayer money should not subsidize “abortion tourism.”
San Antonio city officials disputed Paxton’s characterization, noting that the lawsuit was initiated and later dropped by the state, and that the city had always intended to comply with the law. Last April, the city approved the fund to help residents travel for abortion services, prompting legal action alleging a violation of the Texas Constitution’s gift clause.
Senate Bill 33, signed by Governor Greg Abbott in August, explicitly bars cities from using public funds for abortion-related logistical support and allows citizens to file civil suits if the law is violated. Following the bill, San Antonio ceased any disbursement for out-of-state abortion travel, aligning with the new legal requirements.
Previously, the UOJ reported that the Texas attorney general had issued cease-and-desist letters to groups who were illegally mailing abortion pills into the state.
