By Grazie Pozo Christie
The Supreme Court will soon hear arguments in a Louisiana case that will be avidly followed by both sides of the abortion divide. June Medical Services v. Russo will test whether a state can require abortion providers to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. The clinic will argue that women are perfectly safe without this precaution. Louisiana, on the other hand, will argue that the requirement is a common-sense health and safety regulation to protect mothers’ lives. Who is right?
One amicus brief supporting the state – signed by 207 members of Congress – makes a compelling case that women seeking abortions in Louisiana clinics will find themselves in dangerous hands, and that ensuring their safety is a legitimate legislative priority. It provides an important backdrop to the case by documenting years of shocking health and safety violations at June Medical and the two other abortion clinics involved in the suit. It also documents a long history of serious professional disciplinary actions against Louisiana abortionists.
