Texas Republicans Defend Abortion Ban Before Top Court Argument

Half of the Texas legislature is asking the state’s highest court to overturn a ruling that gives doctors discretion on when to perform an abortion.

Ninety lawmakers—all Republicans—say that any modification to the state’s abortion ban “is one for the legislature, not the judiciary, to make.”

Their position is stated in an amicus brief offered to assist the Texas Supreme Court. The state’s 2021 abortion ban does provide an exception if the mother is facing a medical emergency but stops short of saying what specific conditions must be met. A ruling from a Democratic trial court judge said abortions ...