San Antonio Halts Abortion Travel Fund Amid New Texas Law and Legal Pressure
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — San Antonio has officially shut down its abortion travel fund after facing legal challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and the enactment of a new state law banning the use of public funds for abortion-related travel. The city had previously allocated $100,000 to its Reproductive Justice Fund, aimed at assisting residents with travel expenses for abortions outside Texas, but the fund’s operation came under immediate scrutiny.
Last year, the San Antonio City Council approved the fund, prompting swift legal action from Attorney General Paxton, who filed a lawsuit alleging that the city was “transparently attempting to undermine and subvert Texas law and public policy.” Paxton’s suit argued that the fund violated the gift clause of the Texas Constitution, which prohibits the use of public money to support abortions out of state.
The case was dismissed without a ruling in favor of either party, a development Paxton hailed as a victory. In a statement, he emphasized Texas’s commitment to protecting unborn life and condemned the use of taxpayer funds for what he termed “abortion tourism.” He said, “It is illegal for cities to fund abortion tourism with taxpayer funds. San Antonio’s unlawful attempt to cover the travel and other expenses for out-of-state abortions has now officially been defeated.”
However, San Antonio’s city attorney disputed Paxton’s characterization of the lawsuit’s outcome. The city attorney’s office clarified that the state initiated and then abandoned the litigation, stating, “The City did not drop any claims; the State of Texas, through the Texas Office of the Attorney General, dropped its claims.” The office also noted that the city had adjusted its use of the fund in response to the new state law.
In August 2025, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 33 into law, which explicitly prohibits the use of public funds to provide “logistical support” for abortion services, including travel. The law also empowers Texas residents to bring civil suits against entities believed to be violating the funding restrictions. Following the law’s passage, San Antonio ceased using the fund for out-of-state abortion travel expenses, aligning with the new legal framework.
The legal battle and legislative changes reflect the ongoing tensions in Texas over abortion access and funding. The Texas Attorney General’s Office has been active in enforcing state abortion restrictions, while local governments like San Antonio have sought ways to support reproductive rights within the constraints of state law.
San Antonio’s decision to end the travel fund comes amid a broader national debate about abortion access, especially in states with restrictive laws. The city’s initial move to provide financial assistance for abortion travel was part of a growing trend among some municipalities to mitigate the impact of state-level abortion bans.
Legal experts note that the case highlights the complex interplay between state constitutional provisions, legislative action, and municipal initiatives. The Texas Court of Appeals had previously issued a temporary injunction blocking the city from disbursing the fund while the case was pending, underscoring the judiciary’s role in these disputes.
For now, San Antonio’s fund remains inactive, with city officials indicating compliance with the new law. The situation illustrates the challenges cities face in navigating reproductive health policies amid shifting state regulations. As Texas continues to enforce strict abortion laws, local efforts to provide support for residents seeking abortions out of state are likely to remain contentious.
More information on Texas abortion laws and related legal actions can be found through the Texas Tribune and official state resources. The evolving legal landscape will continue to shape access to abortion services and the use of public funds in Texas and beyond.
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