114th District Court Judge Austin Reeve Jackson sued by Whole Woman’s Health, et. al. over Texas Senate Bill 8, the “Heartbeat Bill”
Hon. Austin Reeve Jackson, Judge of the 114th District Court, held a press conference today in response to the lawsuit being brought against him by Whole Woman’s Health, et al. as a challenge to Texas Senate Bill 8, the “Heartbeat Bill,” passed during the 87th Legislative Session. The plaintiffs are suing Jackson in his official capacity because, as a District Judge, he will interpret and apply the new law.
Jackson was joined by his attorney, Shane McGuire of the McGuire Firm, and Senator Bryan Hughes, author of Senate Bill 8. The press conference was held at Living Alternatives, The AXIA Center, a Pregnancy Resource Center located in Tyler, TX.
As the first-named defendant on the suit, Jackson stated he was a “clear target” because of his values. He said, “I am 100% committed to seeing this frivolous lawsuit dismissed, the attempts to run Christians out of elected office defeated, and the voice and the vote of pro-life Texans defended.”
Jackson’s attorney Shane McGuire added, “This lawsuit is little more than an intimidation tactic against Judge Jackson, and every other jurist in this state. Reeve was targeted because of his character—he’ll prevail because of the law.”
McGuire is filing a motion to dismiss the case this week.
Senator Hughes also offered remarks, "I was proud to author the Texas Heartbeat Bill that is now the Texas Heartbeat Law. My initial reaction to this lawsuit was disbelief -- disbelief at how desperate and frivolous it is. The actions taken against our district judges show how desperate the corporate abortionists are to perform illegal abortions. Planned Parenthood should have planned better. I am honored to stand alongside Judge Reeve Jackson and fight for Life here in Texas.’
To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/JudgeReeveJackson.
Video from the press conference: https://youtu.be/UiSUhz1_zQY
Related media links:
KLTV: Smith County district judge responds to lawsuit over fetal heartbeat bill