404 Media
A Texas Cop Searched License Plate Cameras Nationwide for a Woman Who Got an Abortion
Synopsis
After learning that a woman had self-managed her own abortion, Texas police searched more than 83,000 license plate cameras across the country—including in states where abortion is legal—to try to find her. Police told 404 Media reporters Joseph Cox and Jason Koebler that they conduct nationwide searches like this so “that way we’re hitting everything, every possibility.” After more than a month of searching, they ultimately found her.
Abortion hotlines say cases like this are scaring women in states with abortion bans who are now asking what their options are—and who might be watching if they travel for care.
We hear this every day on the helpline, there is an overwhelming fear that they’re being watched and tracked by the state, whether that’s through their internet history or through traveling.
A reverend was in danger of bleeding out. Missouri’s abortion ban made her afraid to get the help she needed.
A North Texas nurse wanted to ease her baby’s suffering. She had to leave Texas to do it.
