Fifth Circuit Court Upholds Devastating Abortion Restrictions in Texas
For Immediate Release: July 21, 2015
PLANNED PARENTHOOD CENTER FOR CHOICE
June 9, 2015
Fifth Circuit Court Upholds Devastating Abortion Restrictions in Texas
“Planned Parenthood Center for Choice in Houston is open and providing safe and legal abortion to the women who rely on us for compassionate care,” said Planned Parenthood.
Houston, TX – Despite the fact that abortion is one of the safest medical procedures performed in the United States, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit today ruled that medically unnecessary restrictions that could severely restrict Texas women’s access to safe, legal abortion are constitutional. The case was brought by the Center for Reproductive Rights.
In addition to passing one of the most extreme abortion restrictions in the nation, this ruling comes after years of hostile policies that have left tens of thousands of Texas women without access to much-needed health care.
Statement from Melaney A. Linton, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Center for Choice.
“We have witnessed firsthand the terrible impact these restrictions have on women across Texas, who cannot get to a medical provider and are forced to delay getting care. Politicians are not medical experts, yet politicians have written these restrictions with the end goal of cutting off access to safe, legal abortion.”
“This ruling – if allowed to stand – will have a devastating effect on women’s access to safe, legal abortion in Texas. Politicians in Texas have worked tirelessly to deny women access to safe abortion, affordable birth control and cancer screenings. But one thing will never change: Planned Parenthood will be here for the women who rely on us. Planned Parenthood will continue to do everything to protect a woman’s right to make her own personal medical decisions — including providing safe, legal abortion.”
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Planned Parenthood has been providing compassionate abortion services for women in Houston since 1973. Abortion services are provided in a caring environment by Planned Parenthood Center for Choice, Inc. (PPCFC). PPCFC is a separate corporation from Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC).