The Texas Lawyer Behind The So-Called "Bounty Hunter" Abortion Ban

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Jonathan Mitchell, pictured here on April 27 inside the statehouse in Austin, Texas, is credited with devising the legal strategy behind the Texas abortion ban known as S.B. 8. Sarah McCammon/NPR hide caption

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Sarah McCammon/NPR

Jonathan Mitchell, pictured here on April 27 inside the statehouse in Austin, Texas, is credited with devising the legal strategy behind the Texas abortion ban known as S.B. 8.

Sarah McCammon/NPR

Jonathan Mitchell devised the legal strategy behind SB 8, a near-total ban on abortion in Texas. That legislation pioneered the idea of allowing private citizens to file lawsuits against people they suspected of helping provide access to abortion.

Mitchell is also involved in similar efforts by conservative activists in other states. NPR'S Sarah McCammon profiles the Austin, Texas-based attorney.

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This episode was produced by Tyler Bartlam and Connor Donevan. It was edited by Catherine Laidlaw and William Troop. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

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