A Bloodhound Bill in Texas

Texas has just banned abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy — well before many women even know they are pregnant.

The law allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion — including those who give a woman a ride to a clinic or provide financial assistance to obtain an abortion. Private citizens who bring these suits don't need to show any connection to those they are suing.

The Texas law is reminiscent of the Fugitive Slave Act, which required that all escaped slaves, upon capture, be returned to the slaver and that officials and citizens of free states had to cooperate. The Fugitive Slave Act was called the "Bloodhound Bill", after the dogs used to track down fugitive slaves.