STATEMENT FROM POWER TO DECIDE ON SUPREME COURT STRIKING DOWN LOUISIANA ABORTION RESTRICTIONS

(Washington, D.C.) —  Today, the Supreme Court affirmed constitutional protections for abortion care in the U.S. In a 5-4 decision in June Medical Services v. Russo, the Court struck down a Louisiana law that would have left nearly one million women of childbearing age in Louisiana having access to only a single abortion clinic in the state. The law that was under review would have required those who provide abortion care to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles where they provide abortion services—forcing all but one clinic in the state to close.

In response, Power to Decide CEO, Gillian Sealy issued the following statement:

“Today, we are relieved to know that women in the U.S., and not lawmakers, can continue to make decisions over their own reproductive health care. If the law had been upheld, it would have placed an undue burden and created significant obstacles on women’s ability to access abortion care.

“This law was designed to deny access to abortion care. It harmed, not protected women’s health. There was never a medical reason for requiring admitting privileges for those who provide abortion care. The sole purpose for the law was to deny women access to basic reproductive health care and its burden would have been felt most by women of color, women living in rural areas, and women with limited means. The decision would have placed one more barrier for Black women whose health is already disproportionally impacted by systemic inequities that limit their access to critical reproductive health care services.

“Today, we can take a collective sigh of relief that we were able to preserve access to the full range of reproductive health care. We must also continue our commitment to ensure access to the full range of reproductive health care for all which includes passing the Women’s Health Protection Act. The bill would prohibit states from passing medically unnecessary regulations that single out abortion providers. Such action would help protect everyone’s power to decide, if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child.”

Please note, Power to Decide CEO, Gillian Sealy, is available for interviews and to provide further comments regarding the impact of the case.

Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. Please visit us at www.PowerToDecide.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.