Today, the U.S. Supreme Court takes up a 2014 Louisiana law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges a nearby hospital, a regulation that would close two of the state’s three abortion clinics. Louisiana Attorney General spokesperson Deanna Wallace says it’s a law that will ensure better care for pregnant women
“It simply requires abortion clinics to follow the same medical standards as other out-patient surgical facilities by having admitting privileges at a nearby hospital,” said Wallace.
But Center for Reproductive Rights Senior Counsel TJ Tu says all leading national medical groups, including the AMA, say that’s false. He says most doctors don’t need or have admitting privileges.
“Many patients in Louisiana will get a colonoscopy from a doctor and their doctor won’t have admitting privileges. The risks of abortion are comparable to colonoscopy, if not lower,” said Tu.
TJ is also one of two lead counsels on the case today.
Wallace says the law is not designed to discriminate against abortion providers and says one provider in the state has proven they aren’t impossible to get.
“Louisiana’s law does not force clinic closures, and secondly Louisiana abortion providers are able to obtain these admitting privileges if they provide competent care,” said Wallace.
Tu counters saying privileges are only given to doctors who routinely send patients to a hospital, and abortion is so safe it’s almost never needed. He says if upheld, it’s an assault on women’s rights.
“I think you will see many states dust off their admitting privileges laws, but worse, a whole new category of medically unnecessary restrictions, all designed to shut down clinics,” said Tu.
A ruling is expected in June.
