Late last year, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the Louisiana law requiring abortion physicians to have admitting privileges at a local hospital. That law, the 2014 Act 620 authored by Rep. Katrina Jackson, will soon go into effect because, in another pro-life victory today, the abortion industry’s attempt to have the full court rehear the case failed by a vote of 9-6. The abortion industry’s only recourse is to ask for Supreme Court review.
Jackson, who heard the news while in Washington, D.C. speaking at today’s March for Life, said, “The 5th Circuit has spoken today, providing its final word on Act 620 that protects the health and safety of women in Louisiana. I look forward to this law, which was supported by a overwhelming bipartisan majority of my colleagues, going into effect.”
Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, said, “We commend Rep. Katrina Jackson, Attorney General Jeff Landry, and Gov. John Bel Edwards for their support of the law and its defense. As shown today in Washington, D.C., Louisiana is a model for the nation of bipartisan pro-life leadership.”
Dorinda Bordlee of Bioethics Defense Fund added, “Abortion exploits vulnerable women and children. It is a huge victory for the Louisiana law to be upheld even though a similar Texas law was struck down. Louisiana is once again a leader for life-affirming laws.”