Collins: SCOTUS ruling a tragedy for women, states’ rights

June 27, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Supreme Court struck down a state law regarding health and safety standards for Texas abortion clinics. In the case of Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the Court voted 5-3 to strike down HB-2, a Texas law requiring abortion clinics to have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles, and that abortion clinics must comply with state standards for outpatient surgical centers. The Court stated the law placed an “undue burden” in the way of women seeking an abortion. Congressman Collins, a Baptist pastor who signed an amicus brief in support of Texas earlier this year, issued the following statement in response to the ruling:

“The Court’s decision endangers women and removes valuable safety precautions, and is an erosion of states’ rights. The elected representatives of the Texas legislature passed this law to ensure patient safety in their state, and the law was signed by the Governor. The Supreme Court decision inserts the court into patient safety decisions where they don’t belong.”

“I have voted to protect the sanctity of life throughout my time in both the Georgia state legislature and the House of Representatives. This ruling will allow abortion clinics to proliferate with little oversight. As we saw with the case of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, whose abortion clinic was a real life house of horrors, these largely unregulated clinics jeopardize the lives of mothers and babies alike through the use of unsafe medical procedures. I stand by my pro-life principles, and will continue to speak out on the negative consequences the abortion industry has on our society.”