TCC Statement On SCOTUS Ruling On Abortion Center Medical Standards

The Texas Catholic Conference expressed disappointment at the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to suspend enforcement of one of the country’s most effective measures for protecting women’s health and safety against a predatory abortion industry.  The Texas law (part of 2013’s landmark HB 2) required abortion clinics meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers when performing invasive and risky abortions.  Other portions of the law, including requiring abortionists have hospital privileges and prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks gestation were not affected.

In a June 9 ruling, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of the law, and rejected pleas by abortion clinics to suspend implementation while they appeal.  The Supreme Court ruling today will prevent enforcement of the law until the fall when the Supreme Court will decide if they should hear an appeal from a lower court.

The Texas Catholic bishops grieve for the unborn children who will continue to die, and are concerned for the mothers who will subjected to substandard care, while the court delays until the fall to resolve this issue.

While The Texas Catholic Conference opposes abortion, it equally values protecting and preserving the health of women, whose lives and dignity are just as precious as those destroyed by the act of abortion.  Short of closing these abortion facilities, abortionists must meet the most rigorous, mandatory standards of medical inspections and regulation.

The Texas Catholic Bishops urge people of faith to pray that the U.S. Supreme Court justices recognize the importance of ensuring the health of women undergoing medical procedures and ultimately preserve Texas’ protections under this law.