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Texas Tech Cancels Controversial Abortion Talk Amid Activist Pressure

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center canceled a talk by Dr. Shelley Sella, an obstetrician-gynecologist, about abortion care late in pregnancy.
The decision followed pressure from anti-abortion activists including Mark Lee Dickson, who argued the event would be illegal on campus.
Abortion-rights advocates criticized the cancellation, questioning the integrity of medical education at Texas Tech.
A 2025 law clarifies that doctors can act without waiting for imminent death.

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Story summary

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center canceled a talk by Dr. Shelley Sella, an obstetrician-gynecologist, about abortion care late in pregnancy.
The decision followed pressure from anti-abortion activists including Mark Lee Dickson, who argued the event would be illegal on campus.
Abortion-rights advocates criticized the cancellation, questioning the integrity of medical education at Texas Tech.
A 2025 law clarifies that doctors can act without waiting for imminent death.