Ashley Lopez, KUT

Author's posts

Texas Toughens Ban on Medication-by-Mail Abortions With Jail Time and Hefty Fine

Last week, on the same day the Supreme Court heard a case that could overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling on abortion rights, Texas enacted a law that creates criminal penalties for anyone who prescribes medication abortions via telehealth or mail.

Texas Abortion Law Harms Survivors of Rape and Incest, Activists Say

While anti-abortion activists say abortion exceptions are a “punishment” to “innocent human life,” social workers say Texas’ new abortion law rigidly curtails options for rape and incest survivors at a moment when they need the “power and control” of choice to begin healing.

Death in Dallas: One Family’s Experience in the Medicaid Gap

Efforts to give 2.2 million Americans health insurance hang in the balance as Congress debates a massive spending bill. The so-called Medicaid gap is felt most acutely in Texas, where about half of those who stand to gain coverage live.

Getting a Covid Vaccine During Pregnancy Even More Urgent as ICU Beds Fill Up

The CDC recommends that pregnant people be vaccinated against covid-19, based on new safety and effectiveness evidence on the covid vaccines.

In Austin, Some Try to Address Vaccine Inequity, but a Broad Plan Is Elusive

The east side of Austin has few of the chain stores key to the Texas vaccination plan. But local officials have done pop-up vaccination events in the community to get more shots to Blacks and Latinos.

In Texas, More People Are Losing Their Health Insurance as COVID Cases Climb

During the pandemic, nearly 700,000 additional Texans have lost health insurance. The Lone Star State already had more uninsured people than any other. It has given people with COVID symptoms pause before seeking medical care.

Loophole Averted After Surprise-Bill Brouhaha In Texas

The Texas Medical Board bowed out of the rule-making process for a new law protecting consumers from surprise medical bills. Advocates hailed the new rules written by the state insurance regulators.

Last-Minute Loophole Could Undermine Texas Law Against Surprise Medical Bills

Texas passed a bipartisan law against surprise medical billing, but advocates warn that a proposed rule could severely weaken it, continuing to allow surprise bills outside of emergencies.

Despite Supreme Court Win, Texas Abortion Clinics Still Shuttered

Three years after winning a big legal battle, abortion providers still find themselves losing the war when it comes to keeping clinics open across the huge, populous state.

As Texas Cracks Down On Abortion, Austin Votes To Help Women Defray Costs

The Austin City Council is setting aside $150,000 in city funds to help local women seeking an abortion pay for related costs, such as transportation or child care.