Murder Charge Dropped Against Texas Woman For 'Self-Induced Abortion'

STARR COUNTY, TX — A murder charge against a woman from Starr County stemming from accusations of a "self-induced abortion" is being dropped following days of public outcry and a protest outside the county jail.

Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez told the lawyer for Lizelle Herrera Saturday afternoon that her office would file a motion to dismiss the charge Monday, according to a statement released by Ramirez on Sunday. Herrera, 26, was arrested Thursday after she was charged with murder by a Texas grand jury.

"Herrera can not and should not be charged for the allegations against her," Ramirez said.

The arrest and subsequent dropped murder charge come nearly a year since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 8, which outlaws abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. This can occur as early as six weeks— before most women know they are pregnant.

The enforcement of Senate Bill 8 is left to civilians, who can file lawsuits for up to $10,000 against anyone who performs or "aids or abets" an abortion that violates the law. Under the law, the state does not file criminal charges.

In September 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Texas to prevent the state from enforcing the bill. Abortion providers and advocates have also filed lawsuits, but none have been successful in restoring full access to abortion.