Washington, D.C. — In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling today in the case of June Medical Services v. Russo, protecting abortion access and reproductive freedom in Louisiana, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous and Executive Vice President for Policy and Program Marge Baker released the following statements:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision in the case of June Medical Services v. Russo to strike down Louisiana’s TRAP law is a win for reproductive freedom and low-income people, people of color, transgender and non-binary people who already experience barriers to safe, legal abortion. This outcome should never have been in doubt. The Louisiana law struck down today was identical to the Texas law already struck down by the Court in 2016. At the same time, this case got as far as it did because the far right’s efforts to curtail abortion access are relentless. That’s why we’ll stay vigilant and why elections really matter when it comes to who picks our federal judges,” said Jealous.
“We applaud this decision by the Supreme Court to reject draconian restrictions on abortion care. At the same time, today’s 5-4 decision was ominous. This was the first major abortion case since Republican senators confirmed right-wing Trump Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, and the ruling is too close for comfort. It’s very troubling that Chief Justice Roberts made clear in his concurrence that he still thinks the Texas anti-TRAP law ruling was wrong, but won’t depart from stare decisis — at least at this point. We need federal, state and local legislation to prevent more attacks on reproductive rights and health care. In November, we must vote for a president and senators who will confirm fair-minded judges and justices who defend our constitutionally guaranteed right to choose,” said Baker.
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more:https://www.pfaw.org.