Fines or Lawsuits

Several sections of Texas law allow abortion providers or those assisting with an abortion to be sued or fined.

Note The patient who obtains an abortion is rarely at risk of fines or lawsuits under Texas's statutes. More often, the person performing the abortion is who will be fined or sued.

Texas Law

Section 33.012 of the Texas Family Code
This section allows the Attorney General to impose a civil fine on doctors who violate the law related to performing abortions on unemancipated minors.
Section 170A.005 of the Texas Health & Safety Code
This section subjects anyone providing or attempting an abortion to a fine of at least $100,000.
Section 171.006 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
If a physician does not report abortion complications as required, they can be subject to a civil fine. The Attorney General may file a suit to collect the fines and attorney's fees.
Section 171.104 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
This section allows the father of the fetus or the parents of an underage mother of the fetus who was aborted using a partial-birth abortion to sue.
Section 171.208 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
This section allows a third party to bring a lawsuit against anyone who performed, aided, or abetted an abortion. State and local government officers and employees cannot file a suit under this section.
Section 171A.101 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
This section allows a third party to bring a lawsuit against anyone who violates or intends to violate section 171A.051. Section 171A.051 contains prohibitions regarding manufacturing or distributing abortion-inducing drugs. State and political subdivision officers and employees cannot file a suit under this section. This statute is effective on 12/4/2025.
Section 697.008 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
This section makes anyone who improperly disposes of fetal tissue subject to a $1,000 fine.
Note that provisions in this chapter had been ruled unconstitutional in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt. However, the Fifth Circuit vacated that ruling in Whole Woman's Health v. Young.

Administrative Penalties

Several abortion-related statutes allow the Texas Medical Board to punish a doctor who violates the law. The Medical Board may revoke or suspend a doctor's medical license or fine the doctor up to $5,000.

Texas Law

Section 171.064 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
This statute allows the Texas Medical Board to penalize a doctor who provides a medical abortion in violation of Subchapter D.
Section 170A.007 of the Texas Health and Safety Code
This section allows a licensing board to revoke the license of a healthcare professional who performs or attempts an abortion.

Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.

Texas State
Law Library

Abortion Laws

Fines or Lawsuits

Texas Law

Administrative Penalties

Texas Law