Lujan Grisham Urges Court to Protect Woman's Right to Choose

Statement

Today, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Whole Woman's Health vs. Hellerstedt, the first major abortion case in nearly 10 years. In 2013, the Texas legislature passed a law that imposed numerous restrictions on access to legal and safe abortions.

Prior to the enactment of this legislation, there were more than 40 abortion facilities operating in Texas. As of October 2015, that number had decreased to just 19, and could go down to 10 if the law is upheld. This limited number of clinics will be expected to serve 5.4 million women of reproductive age. This Texas law has imposed higher costs, increased delays and created extra steps for women seeking abortion care.

"For over 40 years, the Supreme Court has upheld a woman's right to make her own decisions about her health and family," says Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham. "This case is no different and I urge the Supreme Court to continue to protect a woman's right to choose. Limiting access to safe abortions won't end the need and only creates unnecessary barriers and the possibility of unsafe means to terminate a pregnancy."

Studies show that seven in 10 Americans support Roe v. Wade and believe abortion should be safe and legal. Some of the nation's top medical experts, including the American Medical Association, have joined together to voice their opposition to abortion restrictions.

Source