The girl, thought to be about 15 weeks pregnant, crossed the border illegally and was arrested in Texas. After the federal government refused the girl’s request for an abortion, the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit, demanding termination of the child.

Nicole Hudgens of Texas Values reports that Judge Tanya Chutkan heard the case this week in Washington, D.C.

Hudgens

“The federal judge ruled Wednesday the federal government must grant the pregnant 17-year-old access to publicly-funded abortion services in Texas,” Hudgens relays.

But the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia has issued a stay on that order pending outcome of a hearing today. Meanwhile, the girl is permitted counseling with an abortionist.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has argued against the abortion for a number of reasons.

“We stand with the attorney general who has spoken out on this issue and recognizes the fact that Texas has a responsibility to defend life,” says Hudgens. She adds, “There’s so many unanswered questions when it comes to this case.”

For example, although private funds have been raised for this girl’s abortion, would the government be forced to provide free abortions for illegal immigrants in future cases? Paxton has also argued that if the court rules the girl has a right to an abortion, then Texas and other states could become sanctuary states for women and girls who cross the border illegally and then demand free abortions.