The Justice Department says it will not tolerate violence against anyone who is trying to obtain an abortion in Texas as federal officials explore options to challenge a new state law that bans most abortions.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said Monday that the Justice Department would "protect those seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services" under a federal law known as the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Garland said federal prosecutors are still urgently exploring options to challenge Texas' law that, after Sept. 1, 2021, allows citizens to sue doctors or anyone else who helps a pregnant woman get an abortion at six weeks or beyond.
He said the Justice Department would enforce the federal law "to protect the constitutional rights of women and other persons, including access to an abortion."
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