Although the Texas anti-abortion law allows an exception when the woman’s health is in danger, it’s not clear how that standard applies. And since the penalties for a doc violating the law include up to 99 years in prison and loss of medical license, not surprisingly, docs have shied away from testing the exception. The following is from a story in the NYT on a case seeking clarification from Texas.

“During two days of court hearings in July, the lead plaintiff, Amanda Zurawski, described how she went into septic shock and nearly died when her water broke at 18 weeks, after doctors told her they could not abort the fetus because it still had a heartbeat.

“Another plaintiff, Samantha Casiano, began to cough and gag on the stand as she recalled having to carry and ultimately deliver a fetus that had no skull — and no chance of survival — because doctors could not perform an abortion. The judge called a recess after Ms. Casiano became physically ill.

“Lawyers for the state described the women as publicity seekers on an ideological crusade.”

Hmmmmm.

Judge Jessica Mangum found in favor of the women and broadened and clarified the standards. Texas is appealing the “activist Austin judge’s attempt to override Texas abortion laws.”

God bless the Lone Star State.

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Can you use some “positive vibrations” after that? In the puzzle today at 74D, [blank] Vibration was RASTAMAN — Bob Marley’s great album. Let’s all enjoy a listen to the title song.

DYLAN dropped by too, at 35A, clued via his Nobel Prize in Lit, and The DOORS at 87A, although they weren’t really there — the clue was “Options, metaphorically.” (Get it?)

On Thursday, one of the clues was “Word before stamp or young.” Here’s Dylan with The Band:

May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay — forever young

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My favorite clue/answer today was at 77A: The clue was “Why, you little stinkin’ …” and the answer was SON OF A.

And have you been out to SF and visited Pier 39? As the puzzle states, its residents are SEA LIONS.

At 78A, Time magazine’s “Actor of the Century” was BRANDO. Don Knotts came in second. He was pretty far behind though.

Back to rock ‘n’ roll for a moment — here’s the fifth Ramone — Morris Irving Crane Ramone. Son of Sarah Ramone and Sam Ramone. He doesn’t want to be sedated, but he enjoys his afternoon nap.

Thanks for popping in. See you tomorrow.