Supporters of those who seek or provide abortions should recognize that law enforcement and reactionary politicians don’t need the courts or the law.
By Natasha Lennard, The Intercept
News of Lizelle Herrera’s arrest in Texas last week sent a chill down the spines of everyone dreading the destruction of reproductive protections around the country. The 26-year-old was arrested in connection to a “self-induced abortion” and indicted on a murder charge for “intentionally and knowingly” causing the death of “an individual.” Within two days, with scant public details and confusion spreading about what possible murder statute could apply, the district attorney of Starr County announced — thankfully — that the charge would be dismissed.
The prosecutor’s decision was not a show of active support for reproductive justice. There was quite simply no basis to proceed with the charge because there is no statute on the books in Texas — yet — under which pregnant people can be charged with murder in connection with “the death of an unborn child.” The related criminal charges would instead be aimed at abortion providers. (The state’s new abortion ban unconstitutionally prohibits the procedure after six weeks by enabling legalized vigilantes to bring civil, not criminal, cases.)

Even with the charges dropped, Herrera’s horrifying ordeal tells us much about the current shape of the war on reproductive freedoms. From local law enforcement agencies to governors’ offices, anti-abortion crusaders are already acting as though Roe v. Wade is dead and abortion is fully criminalized. A post-Roe reality has been the de facto status quo for years in dozens of states where abortion can’t be accessed. What we’re observing now is an escalation in which abortion-seekers and providers are terrorized as violent criminals, even prior to the act being formally criminalized.
Recent Posts
Top Five Weapons Companies Set To Get $140 Billion From Pentagon Next Year
September 22, 2023
Take Action Now A Sludge analysis estimates that more than half of the fiscal year 2024 Pentagon budget will go to private contractors, with the five…
Schumer Circulates Petition To ‘Demand’ Federal Marijuana Legalization
September 22, 2023
Take Action Now Striking auto workers pulled off a major coup before their strike, baiting America’s largest auto manufacturers into self-sabotage.……
Rich Men North Of Richmond
September 21, 2023
Take Action Now Anthony was touching the constituency the left is supposed to talk with, is supposed to reach out to, is supposed to hear and learn…
Meeting Union Demands Would Be A Win-win For Automakers
September 21, 2023
Take Action Now But with corporations insistent on squeezing more profits no matter the cost, strikes are inevitable — and necessary. By Sonali…