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Four years after Dobbs, Texas abortion-rights advocates struggle to break through in Washington
By Texas Tribune, Samanta Habashy at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 6, 2026
· 10 min read
WASHINGTON — On the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion, Samantha Casiano carried a picture of her daughter, Halo, with her to meetings on Capitol Hill.The photo showed Halo without a fully formed skull and brain, leading to h...
Key takeaway ”“I was more prepared this time,” Casiano said, comparing her first visit to Washington, in 2025, to a practice run.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The struggles of Texas abortion-rights advocates like Samantha Casiano to be heard in Washington have significant implications for San Antonio residents, who must navigate the state's restrictive abortion laws. Casiano's experience of being rebuffed by a congressional staffer after sharing her personal story is a stark reminder that the fight for reproductive rights is far from over in Texas. As San Antonio continues to grow and evolve, the need for accessible and compassionate healthcare, including abortion services, will only become more pressing. The city's residents must remain vigilant and engaged in the ongoing debate over abortion access, supporting organizations like Free & Just that amplify the voices of those affected by the state's laws. By doing so, San Antonians can help ensure that the stories of women like Casiano are not ignored, and that their experiences inform policy decisions that impact the well-being of families and communities across the city.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON — On the fourth anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion, Samantha Casiano carried a picture of her daughter, Halo, with her to meetings on Capitol Hill.The photo showed Halo without a fully formed skull and brain, leading to h...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, Samanta Habashy at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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