The Supreme Court ruled Monday that a Texas law that would have imposed tough standards on abortion clinics is unconstitutional and would have resulted in an undue burden on women seeking access to abortion.
Advertisement
An abortion rights group says the Supreme Court is sending a “loud and clear message that politicians can not use deceptive means to shut down abortion clinics”. “We will continue to protect access to safe, legal abortion on behalf of our patients in MA and will stand in solidarity with women nationwide”.
“No woman or doctor should be punished for receiving or providing high quality, safe and appropriate medical care”, said Childs-Roshak, the first physician to lead PPLM.
By a 5-3 vote, the justices rejected the state’s arguments that its 2013 law and follow-up regulations were needed to protect women’s health. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. Pennsylvania is not among at least 11 states that require abortion doctors to have admitting privileges.
Its opponents, on the other hand, argued that it would lead to the shutdown of most abortion clinics throughout the state. The law simply required abortion facilities to meet the same health and safety standards as other ambulatory surgical centers – standards like adequate staffing, soap dispensers, and basic sanitary conditions. It is on hold in Alabama, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.
Advertisement
Breyer’s opinion was a rebuke of the appeals court and a vindication for U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel, who had held a trial on the challenged provisions and struck them down. Just moments ago the United States Supreme Court overturned arguably the most successful pro-life law since Roe v. Wade!
