Texas Abortion Law Creates Ethical Quandary for Doctors

The Texas law banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy could present a profound ethical dilemma for doctors, who have an obligation to counsel pregnant patients on all their available options even if they don’t perform abortion procedures themselves.

Anyone who “knowingly engages in conduct that aids or abets” an abortion can be held liable under the novel law, which relies on private parties to bring civil lawsuits against violators. It’s a provision that could have a chilling effect on primary care doctors who are ethically and legally required to educate their patients so they can make an informed decision ...