ABC‘s Andy Field - September 1 , 2021 - KRDO‘s Afternoon News

The most restrictive abortion law in the nation took effect in Texas early today, effectively barring the procedure across the state, as the U.S. Supreme Court remained silent on an emergency request from women’s health groups to block the measure while legal challenges continue. Texas becomes the first and only state in the country to outlaw abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. And in an unusual twist, the law expressly prohibits the state from enforcing the ban, instead authorizing private citizens to bring civil suits against anyone who "aids or abets" an abortion -- but not the patient herself. Twelve other states have passed similar laws that have not yet taken effect due to legal challenges.