Democrats condemn supreme court for failing to block Texas abortion law

Critics denounce law as unconstitutional and a threat to women's health

Top Democrats across the country are condemning the US supreme court over its silence on Texas's latest and most extreme abortion law to date after it came into effect on Wednesday.

The so-called Heartbeat Act", which was signed into law by Greg Abbott, the state's Republican governor, in May, bans abortions at six weeks and does not make exceptions for incest and rape. Furthermore, it empowers private citizens to sue any abortion provider who violates the law.