In the letter, which was addressed to Sidley Austin LLP, the caucus’ 11 representatives wrote that legislation would be introduced to impose civil and criminal penalties on law firms that pay for abortions or abortion travel. “We are writing to inform you of the consequences you and your colleagues will face for these actions,” it said. The proposed legislation would prohibit any employer in the state from paying for elective abortions or reimbursing abortion-related costs, regardless of where the abortion occurs. Under those lawmakers, citizens would be able to sue anyone who pays for an elective abortion performed on a Texas resident. If passed, the law would allow the Texas State Bar to disbar any attorney who has violated any abortion law. The Texas Freedom Caucus said Sidley had aided or abetted drug-induced abortions in violation of the Texas Heartbeat Act, a law that prohibits abortions at about six weeks of pregnancy. According to the letter, legal proceedings are already underway to identify employees who may be involved. “To the extent that Sidley facilitates abortions performed in violation of section 4512.1, she exposes herself and each of her associates to felony prosecution and immunity.” According to an email seen by Bloomberg Law, Sidley said he would cover abortion and related travel expenses for workers in states where the restrictions are in place. On June 24, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a legal precedent from 1973 that made abortion legal throughout the US. Last year, State Senate Bill 8 went into effect in Texas, which banned abortion around six weeks into pregnancy, even in cases of rape and incest. The latest ruling will impose criminal penalties on those who perform or assist in abortions at all stages of pregnancy. The letter was co-sponsored by Texas’ 11 conservative lawmakers and concluded: “Behave accordingly.” Sidley Austin LLP and the Texas Freedom Caucus did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment. Loading Something is loading.
