This Law Will Let Texas Doctors Lie to Women
And it prevents them from suing for it, too.

Update, 3/21: SB25, the bill that would allow doctors to withhold information about fetal status from expectant mothers and prevent parents from suing the healthcare provider later, passed the Texas Senate today. In protest, a group of women wore Handmaid's Tale costumes (opens in new tab) in the galley of the Texas Statehouse during debate on this bill and others yesterday.
The final vote was 21-9, split largely along party lines. The bill now moves to the Texas House.
Original Post, 3/10: A bill that would let doctors lie to their patients (opens in new tab) could soon be law in Texas. The bill, SB25, would allow doctors to withhold information from pregnant women about fetal deformities or disabilities. What's more, it prevents the women from suing their doctor for lying to them.
The author of the bill, state Senator Brandon Creighton, says the current law suggests there are "wrongful births (opens in new tab)" and discriminates against children with disabilities. But the real purpose of the bill is to inhibit women from considering an abortion if the fetus has a disability.
"We shouldn't have to stand up and say that it shouldn't be policy for the state of Texas to excuse doctors from lying to their patients, and that is what this bill does," said Blake Rocap, legislative director for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, according to the Texas Tribune.
The bill effectively prevents women from choosing abortion on the basis of fetal anomaly.
But proponents of SB25 say that the bill is being taken out of context (opens in new tab) to create drama. Jennifer Allmon, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conferences of Bishops, said the bill does not restrict access to abortion, CNN reported. She added: "We believe that a lawsuit that begins as its premise that we should have had an opportunity to kill our disabled child sends a terrible message to those disabled children in Texas."
This isn't Senator Creighton's first time dealing with an abortion bill. He voted in support of a 20-week abortion ban in 2013 as a member of the state House of Representatives. Creighton has also voted against an "equal pay for women" measure (opens in new tab), and, strangely, against a bill that banned texting whle driving.
Despite a controversial and emotionally charged public hearing, SB25 passed the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs with an 8-0 vote. It will be advanced to the full Senate soon.
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
The Ending of 'The Umbrella Academy' Season 3, Explained
The Netflix hit's finale resets its universe yet again.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Lorde Is Now Blonde and It’s the All the Happiness We Need Right Now
She's stunning.
By Deena Campbell
-
The Jeans Brands Fashion Editors Swear By
Your search for the perfect pair of jeans is over.
By Sara Holzman
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein
-
30 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
By Megan Friedman
-
Clarissa Ward on What It's Really Like to Report Live From Ukraine Right Now
The network's chief foreign correspondent on pivoting from Kabul to Kharkiv and Kyiv.
By Maria Ricapito
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
By Marie Claire Editors
-
Education for Women and Girls Is Crucial for Climate Justice
In an excerpt from her new book, 'A Bigger Picture,' Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate discusses the impact educated African women and girls can have on solving the climate crisis.
By Vanessa Nakate