U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Health & Safety Standards in Texas Abortion Clinics
Today, in a 5-3 decision the U. S. Supreme Court issued an opinion on the case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, which was the case filed in opposition of Texas HB 2 law, a law that ensures common sense health and safety standards for abortion clinics. Unfortunately, the Court decided to overturn the decision of the Fifth Circuit, going against the bipartisan vote of the Texas Legislature and the Texas people.
Texas Values President and Attorney Jonathan Saenz stated:
“This is a lawless and political decision by some Supreme Court justices who care more about the profits of abortion clinics than the safety of women. This latest episode of judicial activism has now made an abortion clinic in Texas one of the most dangerous places to be – not just for unborn children, but now for Texas women as well. With this the Supreme Court decision, the Supreme Court has blocked women from having access to health and safety standards, which allow for deadly clinics like Kermit Gosnell’s to exist. Gosnell is a former abortion doctor who now sits in prison for the deadly damage he did to women in his clinic that refused to follow these common sense safety standards in Texas’ HB 2 law. Our main concern is the protection of innocent life and Texas women. We will continue to stand for women to keep them safe so they are not maimed or die in abortion clinics. Even though the number of abortions and abortion clinics in Texas are already declining due to women choosing life and public opinion growing in support of the value of the human child in the womb, the Supreme Court is attempting to control the ability of Texas leaders to keep women safe. We want to specifically thank HB 2 bill authors Rep. Jodie Laubenberg and Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Solicitor General Scott Keller for their leadership in defending this important law. This effort to protect the life of women and children is far from over.”
Texas Values filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court on behalf of 3801 Lancaster Film Project in support of the HB 2 bill. The legal brief emphasized the health and safety benefits of women who choose to have abortions. If women are going to choose to abortion, the places that provide such procedure should be as safe as possible to prevent complications and death of Texas women.
Texas Values and 3801 Lancaster Film Project’s main focus was to avoid tragedies like the ones experienced in the Gosnell clinic. The Gosnell clinic had unlicensed professionals performing abortions, unsterilized equipment, blood stained beds, and fetal remains scattered throughout the facilities. This was not the only clinic that had unsanitary practices under the old abortion clinic standards.
About Texas Values
Texas Values is a non-profit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.