Milestones in legal fight over Texas abortion law

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

Milestones in legal fight over Texas abortion law
June 26, 2016


(Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on Monday on a legal challenge by abortion providers to a Texas law requiring doctors performing the procedure to have "admitting privileges" at local hospitals and clinics to meet hospital-grade standards.

Following is a timeline of that challenge.

July 2013 - The Republican-led Texas legislature passes and Republican Governor Rick Perry signs the law known as H.B. 2, putting new requirements on abortion providers. State officials say the law is intended to ensure the health and safety of women.

September 2013 – Before the law is enforced, Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers challenge the measure. They assert that certain provisions, including one related to doctors' "admitting privileges" - a type of formal affiliation - at a hospital within 30 miles (48 km) of an abortion clinic, are aimed at decreasing the abortion availability in the state.


Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/milestones-legal-fight-over-texas-abortion-law-120931583.html

[tanyev]

1. Funny how TX politicians have absolutely no problem with free-standing emergency rooms.

Free-standing emergency room operators are exploring how to win state regulatory approval to expand their facilities nationwide despite opposition from hospitals.

The biggest operator is Lewisville, Texas-based Adeptus Health, which owns the First Choice chain of free-standing emergency rooms. Since going public in June 2014, Adeptus stock has tripled. The company opened seven new ERs in the first quarter of this year, bringing its total to 63 centers. Most are in Texas, which in 2010 became the first state to allow ERs to operate without a hospital affiliation. Adeptus also has centers in Arizona and Colorado, though it partners with full-service hospitals in those states.

“They're sprouting up like Texas wildflowers,” said Vivian Ho, a health economist at Rice University in Houston. “Everywhere you drive in upper-middle-income Houston, you're seeing emergency rooms on every block.”

“These free-standing (ERs) do not have to meet the rigorous requirements of our hospital facilities, such as staffing issues that significantly affect costs,” said Lance Lunsford, vice president of advocacy communications with the Texas Hospital Association. “It's a frightening disadvantage as our hospitals invest heavily in equipment, technology and clinical talent, while these other facilities are able to service only patients who have an ability to pay, and provide only a fraction of the services to remain financially viable.”

http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20150704/MAGAZINE/307049969

[mopinko]

2. ^^^^this^^^^

yeah, follow the money. if there is big money, it's all good.
assholes.

[leftynyc]

3. Circuit court REVERSED

A 5-3 decision. Texas loses - WOMEN WIN!!!