Some call the Texas Heartbeat Act a novel way to ban abortions. But this style of law, enforced by bounty hunters instead of state governments, isn’t new: It’s a return to laws during slavery and Jim Crow. In this episode, we’ll look at how the courts permitted these laws in the past -- and how they paved the way for Texas’ current abortion law. 

Supreme Court declines hearing on Texas 'Heartbeat' Act (NY Times)

Is there a 'Fetal Heartbeat' at 6 weeks? (LiveScience)

Heather Cox Richardson: Texas law aims at Civil Rights as well as abortion

Justice Sotomayor's dissent (The Nation)

Fugitive Slave Act of 1850

Origins of the Religious Right (POLITICO)

The 'Fifth Circuit Four'

US Justice Dept. sues Texas over abortion law (NY Times)