The Texas Freedom Caucus, a legislative caucus in the Texas House of Representatives, sent a threatening letter to a law firm with locations in Dallas and Houston.
Legislation will be introduced to impose civil and criminal sanctions on law firms that pay for abortions, according to a letter sent to Sidley Austin.
We are writing to let you know the consequences of your actions.
Employers in the state will not be allowed to pay for abortion-related costs regardless of where the abortion takes place. Private citizens will be able to file lawsuits against people who pay for an abortion performed on a Texas resident.
The State Bar of Texas will be able to disbar lawyers who have violated abortion laws.
According to the Texas Freedom Caucus, Sidley aided or abetted drug-Induced abortions that violate the Texas Heartbeat Act, a law that prohibits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. There is litigation underway to identify employees who may have been involved.
It is exposing itself and each of its partners to felony criminal prosecution and disbarment if Sidley is facilitating abortions.
According to an email, Sidley said it would cover travel and abortion costs for employees in states where restrictions are in place.
The Supreme Court overturned a legal precedent that made abortion legal in the US.
State Senate Bill 8 took effect in Texas last year, outlawing abortion in cases of rape and incest, even if the mother's life is in danger. Criminal penalties will be created for those who perform abortions at any stage of a pregnant woman's life.
The conservative Texas lawmakers supported the letter and said to conduct yourselves accordingly.
The Texas Freedom Caucus and Sidley Austin didn't respond to the request for comment.
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