'GILEAD arrives in Texas’: Internet shocked as Supreme Court temporarily halts woman's emergency abortion

AUSTIN, TEXAS: The Texas Supreme Court on December 8 halted a lower court ruling that would have permitted an emergency abortion for a pregnant woman whose fetus has a fatal diagnosis, reported CNN.

The court blocked the lower court's decision that granted Kate Cox, a Dallas-area mother of two who sued the state for a court-ordered abortion, to get the procedure done. Cox sought for an abortion after finding out that the fetus suffered from chromosomal disorder trisomy 18, a fatal genetic condition that could result in either stillbirth or early death of the infant.

The Supreme Court, in a one-page order, stated it was temporarily pausing the lower court ruling "without regard to the merits".

Texas has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, prohibiting abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. Cox is currently 20 weeks pregnant.

Kate Cox's attorney responds to Supreme Court's decision

Denying the emergency abortion poses a risk to Cox's health and future pregnancies.

Responding to the Supreme Court decision, Molly Duane, an attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights that represents Cox, said, "While we still hope that the Court ultimately rejects the state's request and does so quickly, in this case we fear that justice delayed will be justice denied."

"We are talking about urgent medical care. Kate is already 20 weeks pregnant," said Duane. "This is why people should not need to beg for healthcare in a court of law."

Texas Attorney General's move against lower court's abortion permission

On December 7, State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble issued a temporary restraining order on the Texas abortion ban, permitting Cox to terminate the pregnancy, citing future fertility risks.

However, following the lower court ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office stated that the temporary restraining order "will not insulate hospitals, doctors, or anyone else, from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas' abortion laws."

The Attorney General's office also sent letters to several medical centers saying it would take action against doctors performing abortions. Cox's attorney slammed Paxton's move as "stunning" and showed a "disregard for Ms. Cox's life, fertility, and the rule of law."

According to the lawsuit, Cox has already been to three different emergency rooms last month due to difficulties in the pregnancy. Doctors, after ultrasound tests, suggested that "continuing the pregnancy puts her at high risk for severe complications threatening her life and future fertility, including uterine rupture and hysterectomy".

Internet compares Supreme Court decision to Gilead in 'The Handmaid's Tale'

In a post-Roe vs Wade country, social media users have expressed concern over the court's decision that temporarily stopped Cox from getting an abortion.

Many drew a shocking comparison to Margaret Atwood's fictional nation, Gilead, in her dystopian novel 'The Handmaid's Tale,' depicting a patriarchal society where women lack rights over their bodies and are compelled to bear children.

One user said, "GILEAD arrives in Texas. The women of Texas should pack up and leave."

Another user stated, "The road to the Handmaid’s Tale world is lined with smiling people telling you to stop overreacting."

"Welcome to Gilead," a third user remarked.

A fourth user said, "Reading this makes me want to be sick to my stomach. Is this 1923 or 2023? The Handmaid's Tale has come true! 

"It’s inhumane," stated one user

"Because of course. This was never about sanctity of life. It’s about control & oppression of women," another user reacted.

One user added, "What can we do about this?If she dies, or is sterile - can the court be sued? I cannot believe this."

"This should stress out every person in America. A class action suit is in order," read one reaction.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.