Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order to Allow Dallas-Area Mother to Terminate Pregnancy Despite Texas Abortion Ban

A Texas judge has granted a temporary restraining order to allow a Dallas-area mother of two to terminate her pregnancy, despite the state’s strict abortion ban. Kate Cox, 31, found out last month that her fetus had trisomy 18, a rare chromosomal disorder that is likely to cause stillbirth or the death of the baby shortly after it’s born.

Lawyers with the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a request for the restraining order on behalf of Cox, her husband, and her doctor. Judge Maya Guerra Gamble granted the order on Thursday, allowing Cox to receive the abortion.

“The idea that Ms. Cox wants desperately to be a parent, and this law might actually cause her to lose that opportunity, is heartbreaking,” Gamble said in her ruling. “The court finds that the public interest is best served by granting the temporary restraining order.”

The restraining order is only valid for a few weeks, and it is unclear if the state will appeal the ruling. The case has drawn attention to the state’s restrictive abortion laws, which have been the subject of numerous legal challenges in recent years.

Cox said she was relieved by the ruling and grateful for the support she has received. “I am thankful that I can make the best decision for my family and for myself,” she said. “I hope that no other woman has to go through this.”