On June 29, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled five to four (with Chief Justice John Roberts siding with the liberal contingent) to block a controversial Louisiana abortion law in the case June Medical Services v. Russo.
The law requires physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.
Several pro-LGBTQ organizations responded to the SCOTUS decision:
"Once again, our nation's highest Court has said that states cannot defy its precedent and interfere with patients' agency over their own bodies," said Lambda Legal Director of Constitutional Litigation Camilla B. Taylor. "Clinics that provide abortion services are a critical lifeline for LGBTQ people. They are often the only health care providers who offer services free of judgment and stigma and provide care that is respectful and culturally competent. In an environment where the right of LGBTQ people and women to access health care, including essential abortion services, is under attack, today's decision is welcome."
"Today's decision is a relief to thousands of women in Louisiana and millions of women across this country whose fundamental right to reproductive autonomy remains secure for now," said National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon in a separate statement. "But the very fact that this case had to reach the Supreme Court is a sobering reminder of the relentless attacks on reproductive freedom and the need to elect officials who will safeguard that critical freedom."
National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey also issued a statement, saying, in part, "Today the Supreme Court stood firm in ensuring we don't lose additional ground in the fight for access to abortion services. For queer and trans peopleespecially queer and trans people of color and LGBTQ people with low or no incomethis win is especially important."
On the local front, Planned Parenthood of Illinois President & CEO Jennifer Welch said, "It is vital that the Supreme Court continues to protect a person's right to have an abortion, but it is impossible to exercise this right without meaningful access. While we're grateful for this decision, we also know that far too many people, particularly people of color and people with low incomes, live in a world where access to health care, including essential abortion services, is nearly unattainable."
In addition, Center for Reproductive Rights President & CEO Nancy Northup issued a statement, saying, "We're relieved that the Louisiana law has been blocked today but we're concerned about tomorrow. With this win, the clinics in Louisiana can stay open to serve the one million women of reproductive age in the state. But the Court's decision could embolden states to pass even more restrictive laws when clarity is needed if abortion rights are to be protected.
"Unfortunately, the Court's ruling today will not stop those hell-bent on banning abortion. We will be back in court tomorrow and will continue to fight state by state, law by law to protect our constitutional right to abortion. But we shouldn't have to keep playing whack-a-mole. It's time for Congress to pass The Women's Health Protection Act, a federal bill that would ensure the promise of Roe v. Wade is realized in every state for every person."