Critics say the state’s abortion law provisions led to the closing of one-third of clinics.
In a five-to-four decision, the Supreme Court refused to block a Texas abortion law that Planned Parenthood said has led to the closing of one-third of Texas abortion providers.
David Kent/Fort Worth Star-Telegram / MCT
The opinion written by Justice Antonin Scalia and joined by Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito said the challengers had not met the requirement for setting aside a federal order permitting the law to take effect.
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Opponents said the law disproportionately affects clinics in rural areas.
The law requires any doctor in the state who is going to perform an abortion to have professional privileges to admit patients to a hospital within 30 miles of the site where the abortion will take place.
Darrell Byers / Reuters
District Judge Lee Yeakel argued that component would put an unconstitutional burden on women seeking abortions.
But the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overruled Yeakel saying “the incidental effect of making it more difficult or more expensive to procure an abortion cannot be enough to invalidate [a law].”
David Kent/Fort Worth Star-Telegram / MCT
