Statement from ACLU of Kentucky Reproductive Freedom Project Director Derek Selznick on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt

“The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-3 decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt overturning Texas abortion restrictions requiring hospital admitting privileges for doctors and ambulatory surgical center requirements for facilities, calling them an ‘undue burden’ that ‘place a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion.’

This is not only a victory for Texas woman, but an important victory for woman across the United States, including here in Kentucky, where politicians have tried legislative session after legislative session to adopt these same policies that have no medical or safety purpose, and were designed only to limit access to safe and legal abortion.

As we continue to review the Court’s ruling, we know the work to protect a woman’s ability to get an abortion if she needs one is far from over.  Right now we have a crisis of access here in Kentucky where only one abortion clinic is in operation while two others are shuttered in legal limbo. It’s long past time for Kentucky politicians to stop interfering in a decision that should be between a woman, her family, and her doctor.”

The ACLU of Kentucky’s Reproductive Freedom Project is dedicated to protecting and expanding reproductive rights for all Kentuckians through education, advocacy, and litigation.