Visitors stand in line Feb. 19, 2016, to enter the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington.(Photo: Jack Gruber, USA TODAY)
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court blocked a Louisiana law Friday that would have reduced the number of abortion clinics in the state from four to one, a potential sign that a majority of justices may vote to strike down an even tougher<span style="color: Red;">*</span>Texas law pending before them.
The ruling temporarily stops Louisiana from imposing one of two restrictions being challenged in the Texas case — a requirement that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Two clinics already had closed following a federal appeals court ruling that upheld the law, and a third closing was anticipated.
The justices had done the same thing in Texas, where restrictions the state Legislature passed already have played a role in forcing the closure of half the state's clinics. Without the court's temporary action while the case is heard, Texas would have only 10 clinics to serve 5.4 million women of reproductive age.
USA TODAY
Supreme Court closely divided on abortion case
The high court heard oral arguments in the Texas case Wednesday and is expected to issue a decision by June. If it strikes down the law as imposing an undue burden on women seeking abortions, the decision would deter similar laws in other states.
On the other hand, the most that abortion opponents likely can hope for is a 4-4 split that would leave the Texas law standing but would not effect most of the country. Justice Antonin Scalia's death in February denies opponents a potential fifth vote.
Because Louisiana and Mississippi are in the same federal circuit as Texas, upholding the Texas law likely would mean Louisiana's could stand as well. That would leave Louisiana and Mississippi each with one operating abortion clinic.
Follow Richard Wolf on Twitter:<span style="color: Red;">*</span>@richardjwolf
Powered By WizardRSS.com |
Full Text RSS Feed
