The high court refused to hear an appeal of a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that had blocked the implementation of a 2012 law aimed towards regulating Mississippi’s abortion clinics. The court also prevented a similar law from Wisconsin from becoming law Tuesday. Monday morning’s ruling by the nation’s highest court was 5 to 3, that a Texas law similar to it was unconstitutional. Texas passed a law in 2013 that required abortion doctors to be admitted to a local hospital. It also required abortion clinics to comply with the same building standards as ambulatory surgery facilities. The Texas law was passed one year after Mississippi legislators approved a bill that required abortion doctors in freestanding clinics be board-certified OB/GYNs. They also had to be eligible for admitting privileges at a hospital. Mississippi Rep. Sam Mims (R-McComb), who sponsored the bill, said that he was disappointed by its outcome. This legislation is about women’s health. While we hope that everything goes well, it is possible for things to go wrong. According to the Legislature, that doctor should accompany the patient to a hospital. Mims stated that the Supreme Court chose to allow abortions over providing health care for women. Justice Stephen Breyer, writing for the majority of the Texas court in Whole Woman’s Health (v. Hellerstedt), addressed the health and safety argument of abortion opponents. “We conclude that none of these provisions offer sufficient medical benefits to justify the burdens on access that each imposes. Breyer stated that each of these provisions creates a significant obstacle for women seeking previability abortions, each is an undue burden on access to abortion… and each is a violation of the Federal Constitution. Staci Fox, president of Planned Parenthood Southeast and CEO, said in a statement: “We all want patient safety, but admitting privileges will not do that. Because women’s safety and security are our top priority, abortion providers set high standards for staff training and have emergency plans. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, abortion has a safety record of over 99 percent. Mississippi legislators voted to ban Medicaid from covering abortion clinics. Planned Parenthood has one clinic in Mississippi, Hattiesburg. However, it does not perform abortions. Mississippi’s law, if it were to be enacted would have applied the law to Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the state’s last abortion clinic. After the admitting privileges law passed, the clinic sued the state, claiming that the clinic should be closed because no hospitals would allow it admission privileges. Jackson Women’s Health attorneys and Whole Woman’s Health lawyers argued that closing the clinic would violate women’s Roe vs. Wade rights. “Women all over the country have their constitutional rights affirmed. After Monday’s decision, Nancy Northup stated that the Supreme Court sent a clear message to all women that politicians can not use deceptive methods to close down abortion clinics. Northrup is the president and chief executive of the Center for Reproductive Rights. This group represented Whole Woman’s Health which is a network of clinics for women in many cities. The Center also represents the Jackson clinic. She stated that “without question, Monday’s ruling is a game-changer in an unrelenting assault against women’s rights throughout the country.” “This incredible victory renews the promise made by Roe v. Wade to the next generation. We won’t stop fighting until all women have access to the U.S. Diane Derzis, the Jackson clinic owner, said that she was “jubilant” after she had feared the case would end in a tie of 4-4. Derzis stated that “it’s a major victory for women and families.” Officials from Mississippi who supported the clinic law view the ruling in a different way. Governor Phil Bryant stated that the measure was intended to safeguard the safety and health of women who have to undergo the potentially dangerous procedure. He also said that doctors who provide abortions should be held to similar standards to other outpatient procedures. Phil Bryant issued a statement Tuesday. Lt. Governor said that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today “endangers women’s lives and unborn children in Mississippi” and across America. Tate Reeves stated in a press release. “States should be able to protect their citizens by proper regulation of medical care.” House Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) had the same reaction. “I am disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision. Today’s legislation is intended to protect unborn children and women. Gunn stated that the ruling was a setback for those who believe in human life’s sanctity. To support this work, you can make a regular donation to us today as part of the Spring Member Drive.