Supreme Court Strikes Down Louisiana Abortion Law

The Supreme Court strikes down a Louisiana law regulating abortion clinics. Chief Justice John Roberts sided with his more liberal colleagues in the 5-4 decision.

Louisiana's pending law required doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. This high court ruling says this law in our state violates a woman's right to abortion which was established in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.

Congressman Mike Johnson tells KEEL News "this is a huge disappointment and a terrible statement about the court's willingness to allow states to protect the health and safety of women."

Congressman Johnson adds:

I am deeply troubled by the Supreme Court’s decision today to strike down Louisiana’s commonsense health regulation in June Medical Services v. Russo. This case was about whether the states have a right and responsibility to institute basic health and safety regulations to protect women—and whether the abortion industry should have the ability to strike down those commonsense health regulations. Today, the Court let the women of Louisiana down. This outrageous decision shows us yet again that our struggle is far from over, and we have to reaffirm our commitment to the cause of protecting the safety and the sanctity of every single human life.

The Louisiana law was passed five years ago with a vast majority of lawmakers supporting it. Johnson says "Katrina Jackson, an African American Democratic female from Monroe filed the bill and it had widespread support."

Senator John Kennedy issued this statement:

Louisianians and Americans understand that every life is valuable, whether it’s 82 years old or 82 seconds old. It’s disappointing to see the Supreme Court add to the misguided legacy of Roe v. Wade by striking down a Louisiana law that fundamentally protects women. States should be able to put basic health and safety laws in place to safeguard people from the deficient care that abortion clinics too often offer them. We can’t deny our responsibility to protect all lives, no matter how loudly the abortion industry insists that baseline standards of medical care don’t apply to them. I have always been proud of Louisianians’ steadfast commitment to protecting life. Unborn babies are the most innocent and defenseless people in our communities, and I’ll keep fighting for the life and health of every person, including vulnerable women and children.