Today the Supreme Court ruled against the state of Texas in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, a case challenging a 2013 Texas law that required abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the abortion clinic, and requiring abortion clinics to meet the minimum standards for ambulatory surgical centers. U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), Co-Chairman of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, made the following statement:

“The Supreme Court’s tragic decision today shields the abortion industry from accountability and minimal medical standards,” said Smith. “Abortionists should not get a free pass on commonsense safety standards. Women deserve better than this decision that prioritizes the abortion industry’s profit margin.”

“Today’s devastating news underscores the incredibly high stakes the Supreme Court vacancy holds for the unborn child. 43 years ago the Supreme Court stripped away protection for unborn children and their mothers.  Restoring that protection requires a Court that acknowledges the right of states to protect women’s health and the unborn.”

The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act was also a part of the 2013 Texas law, yet that portion of the law was never challenged by the abortion industry and is in effect today. This law protects unborn children from the excruciating pain of abortion around the start of the 6^th month of pregnancy.  The U.S. House has passed a similar law, but the Senate fell short of the 60 votes necessary to stop a filibuster. 

Smith said, “We will continue to work to enact commonsense laws and look forward to a day when we have a Court that recognizes the danger of abortion to both women and their babies.”

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