Texas AG Sues Austin Over Funds for Out-of-State Abortion Travel

Ken Paxton claims the city's $400,000 allocation for abortion travel violates the Texas Constitution's gift clause.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the City of Austin to block the use of $400,000 in taxpayer funds for out-of-state abortion travel expenses.
Austin's 'Reproductive Health Grant' was included in the city's 2024-2025 budget to assist residents needing to travel for abortions.
Paxton argues that the grant violates the Texas Constitution, which prohibits governmental entities from using public funds to aid individuals.
City officials, including Austin City Councilwoman Vanessa Fuentes, defend the fund as essential healthcare support and plan to respond through legal channels.
Thousands of Texans have traveled out of state for abortions since the near-total ban in Texas, with Austin's fund aimed at alleviating the burden on nonprofit abortion funds.