SAN ANTONIO — A Texas law banning the use of public funding to assist patients in the state seeking abortion care outside of the state led to the city of San Antonio’s move to shut down its abortion travel fund. The city’s decision led to the dismissal of a lawsuit against the allocation by Attorney General Ken Paxton last week.
Paxton’s office released a statement on Friday, claiming victory for his cause in the lawsuit after the case was dropped. The state of Texas found neither side victorious.
“It is illegal for cities to fund abortion tourism with taxpayer funds,” said Paxton in a statement released on Friday. “San Antonio’s unlawful attempt to cover the travel and other expenses for out-of-state abortions has now officially been defeated.”
San Antonio officials approved $100,000 last April to help Texas patients with abortion travels outside of Texas. Paxton’s office sued the next day and won a temporary injunction from Texas’ 15th Court of Appeals against the fund, blocking immediate allocation of the money.
A few months later, on Aug. 20, Gov. Greg Abbott approved Senate Bill 33, further barring public funds from assisting patients seeking abortion health care. The legislation allowed Texas residents to file a civil lawsuit if they believe their city ignored the law.
Soon after, the City of Austin shut down its reproductive health fund following a $100,000 contract with Jane’s Due Process and Fund Texas Choice — two organizations that help people receive abortion care.
San Antonio has now followed suit.