“The temporary restraining order granted by the Travis County district judge purporting to allow an abortion to proceed will not insulate hospitals, doctors or anyone else from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas’ abortion laws,” Paxton said in a statement shortly after the judge’s decision. “This includes first degree felony prosecutions…and civil penalties of not less than $100,000 for each violation.
Paxton added, ominously: “The [judge’s temporary restraining order] will expire long before the statute of limitations for violating Texas’ abortion laws expires.”
I agree that would be the most likely outcome in my fantasy scenario. However it brings to mind why are docs not helping these women when faced with jail or losing their license? If they’re charged to do no harm how could they stay and practice in Texas knowing they may face a situation where they have to turn away a pregnant woman in crisis?
My guess would be that because leaving would be difficult to begin with and further if they left then the care that they could have provided may not be provided at all.