The state of Texas established what was known to be one of the nation’s toughest restrictions against abortions in 2013. The law’s focus was to primarily force clinics to close and reduce the access of abortion services. Doctors were required to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and clinics had to meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers in order to complete the procedure.
Within the passing of the law and February 2016, the state went from 39 to 19 clinics that offered the service. Citizens have been protesting against the law, and the fight between anti-abortion activists and the state of Texas was heard in court on March 2, 2016.
The Supreme Court came to its official ruling yesterday (June 27), the Washington Post reports.
The 5-to-3 decision reaffirmed the constitutional right to abortions, and the majority opinion.
“We conclude,” said Justice Stephen G. Breyer , “that neither of these provisions offers medical benefits sufficient to justify the burdens upon access that each imposes. Each places a substantial obstacle in the path of women seeking a previability abortion, each constitutes an undue burden on abortion access, and each violates the federal Constitution.”
2016 presidential candidates have voiced their opinions on abortions during their rallies, with most Democrats for the law and Republicans against it.
President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are pleased with the decision made by the Supreme Court on the controversial issue.
“We remain strongly committed to the protection of women’s health, including protecting a woman’s access to safe, affordable health care and her right to determine her own future,” said President Obama.
This fight isn’t over: The next president has to protect women’s health. Women won’t be “punished” for exercising their basic rights. -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 27, 2016
Today’s #SCOTUS decision upholding reproductive rights is a major victory—but we can’t take it for granted. https://t.co/ouzojIS937
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 28, 2016
Whereas Texas Governor Greg Abbott isn’t too fond of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“The decision erodes states’ lawmaking authority to safeguard the health and safety of women, and subjects more innocent life to being lost. Texas’ goal is to protect innocent life, while ensuring the highest health and safety standards for women.”
Politicans have taken their reactions about the racy topic to Twitter.
I’m incredibly disappointed in today’s #SCOTUS ruling on abortion clinics in TX. I’ll continue to fight for life and protect the unborn.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 27, 2016
I’m disappointed in the Court’s decision. But our fight to protect women’s health & promote life will not stop here. pic.twitter.com/sG0TyuT521
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 27, 2016
Today’s @SCOTUS ruling is a victory in our continued fight to #DisarmHate & save lives, but more must be done! https://t.co/GtYoSV8DTg
— Nancy Pelosi (@NancyPelosi) June 28, 2016
The Court dealt a much-needed blow to Texas’ efforts to unconstitutionally restrict women’s right to access care. Victory for women.
— Senator Harry Reid (@SenatorReid) June 27, 2016