Center for Reproductive Rights Cheers SCOTUS Decision to Strike Down Texas Abortion Law

The Supreme Court on Monday struck down Texas' state restrictions on abortions passed in 2013 that were so strict they caused the number of clinics in the state offering abortions to drop from 42 to 19.

The decision was 5-3 to reverse the decision by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the law.

Opponents of the state's law said it was unnecessary and unrealistic to hold abortion clinics to the requirements set forth in the law, which included having them meet the same building standards as ambulatory surgical centers and having doctors acquire admitting privileges in nearby hospitals.

"Today women across the nation have had their constitutional rights vindicated," said Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, in a statement Monday. "The Supreme Court sent a loud and clear message that politicians cannot use deceptive means to shut down abortion clinics."

Texas reproductive rights organization and clinic Whole Woman's Health, the lead plaintiff in the case, also celebrated their victory.

"Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what we at Whole Woman’s Health have known all along—that every woman, no matter where she lives, deserves access to compassionate, respectful, and comprehensive care from a clinic she trusts," said Amy Hagstrom-Miller, president and CEO of the organization. "Today justice was served."