Nathan Johnson Outlines Plans for Enforcing Texas Abortion Law, Avoiding Conflict with Current AG Ken Paxton

Nathan Johnson, set to become the next Texas Attorney General, has outlined his strategy for enforcing the state’s stringent abortion laws, marking a significant shift from the policies of his predecessor, Ken Paxton. Johnson, a Democrat, confirmed that he will not pursue legal action against out-of-state doctors who send abortion pills to Texas residents, a move that could potentially ease access to these medications for Texans seeking terminations ²³⁵.

Johnson’s decision stands in contrast to the actions taken by Paxton, who has been known to sue out-of-state medical professionals over their involvement in providing abortion services to Texas patients. This approach has reportedly led to a reduction in the availability of abortion pills within the state, according to advocates for reproductive rights ².

With Republicans holding a majority in the Texas Senate, Johnson faces challenges in making legislative changes to the current abortion landscape. However, he has expressed intentions to focus on reducing penalties for doctors performing life-saving abortions, a step that could offer some relief to healthcare providers in the state ³.

The new Attorney General also highlighted the ongoing 'bounty hunter' law, which allows private individuals to file lawsuits against those providing abortion medications, a feature that continues to complicate the legal environment for reproductive health care in Texas ³.

In addition to these policy shifts, Johnson’s tenure as Attorney General marks a notable milestone: he is likely to be the first Democratic holder of this office in nearly three decades ¹⁴. This change in party leadership could signal a fresh direction for legal battles surrounding reproductive rights in the Lone Star State.

As Johnson prepares to take office, other administrative bodies such as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Medical Board are undergoing transitions of their own. Both entities face upcoming reviews and appointments that could influence the broader healthcare landscape in Texas ³.

What we know

• Nathan Johnson will be the next Texas Attorney General ¹²³⁴⁵
• Johnson will not sue out-of-state doctors who mail abortion pills to Texas ²³⁵
• Johnson is likely to be the first Democratic Texas Attorney General in almost thirty years ¹⁴
• Ken Paxton has sued multiple out-of-state doctors for mailing abortion pills ²³
• Abortion advocates believe Paxton's lawsuits have reduced access to abortion pills in Texas ²
• Texas has a near abortion ban that makes the procedure difficult to access within the state ³
• Gina Hinojosa cannot repeal the abortion ban through executive action alone ³
• Gina Hinojosa plans to work on ending penalties for doctors performing life-saving abortions ³
• Republicans hold a majority in the Texas Senate ³
• Texas' 'bounty hunter' law remains in place ³
• The Texas Health and Human Services Commission faces a Sunset review process ³
• The Texas Medical Board has several appointments expiring in April ³