A federal appeals court Thursday evening ruled that Texas can immediately begin enforcing abortion regulations that will effectively close all but seven abortion facilities in America’s second most-populous state.
A panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court in New Orleans stayed a lower judge’s ruling while it considers the overall constitutionality of key portions of Texas’ sweeping 2013 abortion law, which is designed to protect women’s health.
“The 5th Circuit’s decision is a great victory for women’s health,” said Fr. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life. “We have seen too many young women harmed, sometimes fatally, because of botched abortions. The Texas legislature, as recognized by the court, acted in the public interest and the public’s health. The reason some see this law as ‘restrictive’ rather than ‘protective’ is that they do not yet know the extent of corruption and malpractice in the abortion industry.”
“There is no good reason to oppose having clinic hallways wide enough for a gurney to pass through. Abortionists just don’t think women are worth the expense,” added Fr. Pavone.
The 2013 legislation primarily regulates abortion clinics, requiring them to meet the same medical standards as other facilities performing outpatient surgeries. The law also mandated abortion doctors have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals; that provision has already gone into effect.
Democrat Wendy Davis gained national attention with a 13-hour filibuster last summer that temporarily blocked the law in the state Senate. President Barack Obama tweeted in support of the move. Davis is now running for Texas governor.
