Louisiana Coalition Responds To Abortion Win At Supreme Court

The United States Supreme Court issued its decision in June Medical Services v. Russo, an abortion rights case challenging an “admitting privileges” law passed in Louisiana in 2014. As it did four years ago in Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the Supreme Court decided that admitting privileges laws are unconstitutional, and ensured that people in Louisiana will continue to have access to abortion care.

The Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom is thrilled that the Court did what it was obligated to do--uphold its past decisions. But as organizations and individuals that strive for reproductive health, rights, and justice in Louisiana, we realize our fight is far from over, and today’s victory is not enough to provide our community with the justice it deserves.

While this decision is a win for our communities, it fails to address the myriad restrictions still in place that are aimed at preventing people from making their own healthcare decisions. Waiting periods that necessitate multiple clinic appointments, mandatory ultrasounds, and required counseling are unnecessary burdens placed on people seeking abortion care. There is no justice until we can all access affordable, culturally-competent healthcare services, including abortions.

The fight continues and in November, Louisiana voters will weigh in on a proposed constitutional amendment that threatens to ban the right to abortion. The coalition rejects these continued attempts by politicians to legislate our rights out of existence, and calls on Louisiana lawmakers to recognize that state laws and constitutional amendments should promote personal freedom, bodily autonomy, and individual liberty.

Statement from Sylvia Cochran, President

Women’s Health Care Center

Delta Clinic of Baton Rouge

Both Women's Health Care Center and Delta Clinic of Baton Rouge are extremely elated with the favorable ruling handed down by the United States Supreme Court. In 2016, the Court ruled in Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt that abortions are safe procedures, and overturned Texas's mandate that physicians who perform abortions must have hospital admitting privileges.  Patient safety has always been our number one priority.  We wish to thank our many local and national partners that have supported us in this fight, including the New Orleans Abortion Fund, National Abortion Federation, Center for Reproductive Rights, Abortion Care Network and Planned Parenthood. Most importantly, we thank Louisiana’s pro-choice women, clinic escorts, and supporters.

Statement from Louisiana Campaign for Personal Freedoms (https://laforfreedoms.org/)

Today's Supreme Court decision affirms what we at the Louisiana Campaign for Personal Freedoms have known for a long time. Personal medical decisions should be made between the patient and their physician, and, even more importantly, state politicians should not be telling people what they can and cannot do with their own bodies.  In November, Louisiana residents will vote on a proposed constitutional amendment that states there is no right to an abortion in our state constitution. The Louisiana constitution should be about promoting rights and not taking away personal freedoms and bodily autonomy. Our campaign will fight against this proposed amendment and will fight for preserving freedom and liberty.