Congressman Smith Urges Supreme Court to Protect Access to Critical Reproductive Healthcare Services

Statement

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) released the following statement today as the Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in June Medical Services v. Russo. This case could restrict access to abortion and reproductive freedom across the country, particularly in states where lawmakers have already begun chipping away at the rights protected by Roe v. Wade.

"What is happening in Louisiana is part of a coordinated effort by Republicans across the country to dismantle abortion care without explicitly touching Roe v. Wade. Four years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that a nearly identical law in Texas was unconstitutional. That law, as well as the one currently before the Supreme Court, was medically unnecessary and only made it harder for women to access the care they need.

"By imposing unreasonable and unnecessary restrictions around reproductive rights, the Louisiana law would result in the closure of every abortion clinic in the state except one, putting this crucial care out of reach for many patients, especially people of color and those lacking the means to travel far distances to access their constitutionally-protected rights.

"Access to abortion care should not depend on your zip code. I urge the Supreme Court to respect precedent and recognize that this law poses an undue burden on those who wish to exercise the rights protected by the ruling in Roe v. Wade. I will continue to support policies that respect bodily autonomy and allow women to make their own decisions related to their reproductive health."

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