The attorney general of Texas is suing a doctor in New York for sending abortion pills to a patient in the Lone Star state, setting the stage for a new chapter in the battle for abortion access in states that ban the procedure altogether. 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the lawsuit on Thursday, seeking to prohibit doctors in states without abortion bans from sending abortion medication to patients in states where they cannot get access. The lawsuit is among the first attempts to ban the mailing of abortion-related medication into states with abortion bans, possibly paving the way for a national fight. 

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It’s not entirely clear how the lawsuit will pan out, as New York is one of the seven states with abortion shield laws that allow state officials not to cooperate with attempts by other states to prosecute or sue abortion providers who provide care to patients in other states. That includes abortion providers who prescribe and send abortion pills to states with abortion bans. 

But Paxton could push his case through anyway, making it likely to end up in federal court — putting patients in other states with abortion bans at risk of receiving abortion medication if Paxton is successful. It will also put into question whether states can enforce controversial laws across state lines. 

As of now, it’s not clear how Paxton will argue the legality of enforcing Texas laws on a New York doctor. The Washington Examiner contacted his office for comment. 

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Meanwhile, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) decried the lawsuit, emphasizing in a statement on Friday that she was “committed to maintaining New York’s status as a safe harbor for all who seek abortion care.”

“Make no mistake,” Hochul said. “I will do everything in my power to enforce the laws of New York State.”