The Texas state law, passed last May, imposes the so-called “fetal heartbeat” rule adopted by half a dozen states previously, which effectively prohibits abortion after about six weeks of pregnancy—before most women even know they have become pregnant. From 1 September, this law takes effect. It creates criminal penalties against health professionals, as well as allowing any citizen in the country, completely unrelated to the case, to bring an action against health professionals.  

My two guests are Rachel Mehendale and Tasnim Lat, two doctors in Texas.  I want to emphasise that the views that my guests express on today’s program are theirs alone, and not that of their employer.