It's official, at least for now. Texas can continue banning most abortions after a federal appeals court on Thursday, ruled to allow the controversial new law to stay in force, while it considers an appeal of a judge's order blocking it. The decision could push the law all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has already once allowed the restrictions to take effect without ruling on its constitutionality. The Texas law bans abortions once a heart beat is detected, usually around six weeks, that's even before some women know they are pregnant.

Since the law took effect in early September, Texas women have searched for abortion clinics in other states. The new law makes no exception in cases of rape or incest. It's the third time the appeals court has sided with the State of Texas and let the restrictions stand. As of right now, anyone who brings a successful lawsuit against an abortion provider for violating the law, is entitled to claim at least $10,000 in damages.

An abortion bill similar to the law in Texas was filed here in Florida last month, it also would ban most abortions here in the Sunshine State and would also allow lawsuits against doctors who violate it.