ACOG Statement on US Supreme Court Decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt

Washington, DC—Thomas M. Gellhaus, MD, President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), as well as ACOG District XI (Texas), released the following statement regarding the US Supreme Court Decision on Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt:

“ACOG applauds the US Supreme Court for a decision that will help to protect women’s access to abortion care in Texas and across the country. As the court found, it was clear that the ambulatory surgical center and admitting privileges requirements at the heart of Texas law HB 2 did not improve the safety of women, and served only as a barrier to women’s ability to access safe, legal abortion when needed.

“Of course, this is not the end of the battle when it comes to abortion access. In dozens of states, women are living under laws that impede access in a variety of ways, for example banning certain abortion procedures, setting gestational limits, mandating that medically inaccurate information be provided to patients, and more. None of these have a basis in medicine, and all of them represent political interference in the patient/physician relationship. We will continue to oppose these laws and to promote safe access to legal abortion for our patients.

“Again, we are pleased that the Court rejected Texas’ efforts to take away women’s right to needed health care. We look forward to continuing to fight for the well-being of women across the country.”

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 57,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org