Texas Is Permanently Shutting Abortion Clinics and the Supreme Court Can't Do Anything About It

[Jesus Malverde]

When Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed a sweeping anti-abortion law in 2013, he did so knowing the measure faced an uncertain future. Indeed, the law is already winding its way through the legal system, and if its opponents have their way, Texas's reproductive legal code will land in the hands of the Supreme Court.

But such a decision is likely a year or years a way, and back in the Lone Star State, the final judicial score won't much matter.

The law has already had tremendous success in closing abortion clinics and restricting abortion access in Texas. And those successes appear all but certain to stick—with or without the Supreme Court's approval of the law that created them.

There were more than 40 clinics that provided abortions in Texas in 2011. There are now 20 still open, and after the law's last steps of implementation are taken in September, all but six are expected to close. Most of the closed clinics will never reopen, their operators say.


http://www.nationaljournal.com/health-care/texas-is-permanently-shutting-abortion-clinics-and-the-supreme-court-can-t-do-anything-about-it-20140505

[HockeyMom]

1. This will hurt poor women

and they will turn to illegal methods. Rich, and probably middle women, will simply buy a plane ticket to another state. I can remember before Roe when NJ women with the means just went to NY for abortions where it was legal.

[theHandpuppet]

7. Exactly, HockeyMom

Rich women will still get their abortions. It's poor women who are hurt the most. It's not just the access to abortion, either. For many poor women, clinics such as those run by Planned Parenthood are the only places these women can go for pre-natal care or for contraception.

I have no patience or sympathy for those who oppose reproduction rights for women. NONE.

[GOPee]

10. Just when I think texas is OK.. this.. WTH

On another thread I was saying that Texas isn't as bad as I thought it would be, shit!

I know, how could I forget, will I live every day in my life, but I and everyone needs to remember that we live in a world that has people that are hurting, and our freedom is at stake.. bummer..

[dem in texas]

2. Not far to go to Mexico

So many Texans already go across the border for dental and medical care and to purchase RX medicine. Now it will also be for abortions.

[localroger]

5. Most of Texas is further from Mexico than you realize

Texas is a big state, and the biggest population centers aren't along the border. The drive from Houston or Dallas or even San Antonio is not one to be considered lightly.

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. women need to step up, vote to protect their rights.

[theHandpuppet]

6. The right is afraid of the women's vote

One of the demographics targeted by voter suppression laws is women because women are more likely to vote democratic and in a number of cases have provided the margin of victory for a Dem candidate. Any attempts to suppress voting or voter registration should be fought tooth and nail!

[PeaceNikki]

15. amen

[Jesus Malverde]

4. bump... nt

[Jefferson23]

8. Awful. Abortions have saved lives, now what? n/t

[theHandpuppet]

9. Expect a lot more women to die, that's what

Either from lack of care or from back alley abortions. And the vast majority of those women will likely be poor.

[Jefferson23]

11. Sadly, that is going to be the consequence. Now what, and I was not clear, is what do we do

next to help. I read recently Democratic party of Governors, are not thinking of spending
money to back Wendy for her campaign...we need to change that.

Our party needs to respond to this as an SOS call.

[theHandpuppet]

12. I understood your frustration

It was my own frustration coming through in my post. Yes, we need to kick some dem ass when/if we find any too cowardly to support women's reproductive rights. I swear, it seems to me that our Dem candidates were braver on this issue 20 years ago than they are today.

I don't really have an answer except to make it clear to each local and state party organization that our support and donations depend on whether they will stand for choice. Other than that, I'd suggest perusing NARAL's voter guide. Support NARAL, Planned Parenthood and give generously to pro-choice candidates via Emily's List.

NARAL: http://www.naral.org/
Planned Parenthood: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
Emily's List: http://www.emilyslist.org/

[Jefferson23]

13. Our list, that's what I call it..it keeps getting longer...some things are better, but some issues

like this should not be happening...their rights eroded to dangerous levels. We are needing
to fight old battles..it is crazy.

[LeftOfWest]

14. Sickening.

Abortion is a MEDICAL PROCEDURE that keeps women safe and healthy.

I want abortion safe and legal always.

That 'rare' crap is just that right wing spew and 'crap'.

[PeaceNikki]

16. agreed.

Thank you

[kelliekat44]

17. Educate evey woman to seek D&Cs. Won't solve all the problems but will help. nt

[theHandpuppet]

18. Kicking