Supreme Court Provides Relief to Thousands of Texas Women Seeking Safe and Legal Abortion

SCOTUS Temporarily Blocks Dangerous Texas Law that Threatens Access to Abortion for Tens of Thousands of Women

New York NY – Today, a majority of the U.S. Supreme Court issued an emergency stay which will protect for now access to safe, legal abortion for women across Texas. The Court’s order will keep medically unnecessary and severe state restrictions blocked while an appeal by several Texas abortion providers, represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights, asks the Supreme Court to review their case.

Had they gone into effect, these restrictions would have left the 5.4 million women of reproductive age in Texas with 10 or fewer health centers that provide safe, legal abortion in the entire state — down from approximately 40 health centers before passage of this dangerous law.

Planned Parenthood affiliates will continue to provide safe, legal abortions at health centers in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Ft. Worth and San Antonio.

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

“We are grateful the Supreme Court has stepped in to protect women’s access to safe, legal abortion, for now. Restricting or banning abortion blocks women from getting safe medical care.

“This dangerous law never should have passed in the first place — which is why we need to elect leaders who will champion women’s health and rights. Texas has become a cautionary tale and an example of what could happen in all 50 states if Rick Perry, Scott Walker, Jeb Bush and other Republican contenders have their way.”