HOUSTON, Texas– A Texas state court has ordered Dr. Linda Carpenter, a New York-based obstetrician-gynecologist, to cease prescribing abortion pills to patients in Texas.
The ruling, issued by Judge Bryan Gantt in Collin County, also requires Dr. Carpenter to pay over $100,000 in penalties for her actions.
Dr. Carpenter, who is not licensed to practice in Texas, faces legal action for prescribing medication across state lines.
The lawsuit, filed by the state of Texas, reflects growing tension between state abortion regulations.
The case could serve as a test for the U.S. Supreme Court, given the conflicting abortion laws in different states.
In recent years, Texas and other states have enacted restrictive abortion laws that limit access to abortion services.
Dr. Carpenter’s defense argues that her actions are protected under the more liberal abortion laws of her home state, where she is licensed to practice.
The defense maintains that Texas’ legal penalties infringe on her rights as a physician and limit patient access to necessary healthcare.
However, the Collin County court sided with Texas, affirming that the state has the authority to enforce its laws within its jurisdiction.
