Texas Defends Important Women’s Health Protections At U.S. Supreme Court

The Texas Attorney General’s Office today delivered oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court for the state’s defense of House Bill 2 (HB 2), the 2013 law passed by the Texas Legislature to improve patient safety and raise the standard of care for women at abortion facilities.

“Today, Texas made a strong case defending our efforts to protect the health and safety of women in our state,” Attorney General Paxton said. “If our law is upheld, women in Texas will be safer. If any part is struck down, women in Texas will be less safe, and that would be a tragedy.”

The Texas Legislature passed HB2 two months after the conviction of Kermit Gosnell, who killed one woman and at least three infants in his Philadelphia facility. The grand jury that indicted Gosnell called on state legislatures to find the fortitude to pass regulations to ensure such a thing doesn’t happen again, including ensuring clinics meet the minimum standards of ambulatory surgical centers.

Texas lawmakers joined other states in adding common-sense measures to enhance safety standards in abortion facilities, including:

• Admitting privileges to improve continuity of care for patients, ensure physician competence, prevent doctor miscommunication and prevent patient abandonment.
• Minimum surgical standards to ensure emergency access, safety measures, a sterile and sanitary environment, and proper staffing.

Attorney General Paxton attended the arguments, which were delivered by Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller.