Senate Leader Atkins: Supreme Court Upholds Women’s Rights in Abortion Case Decision Released Today
SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement today regarding the Supreme Court’s 5-to-4 decision to strike down a Louisiana law requiring doctors who provide abortions at clinics to have hospital admitting privileges, calling the law “unconstitutional:”
“The decision by SCOTUS to strike down this latest attempt to erode abortion rights in this country is encouraging and sends a much-needed message to those seeking to strip away women’s rights to govern our own bodies.
Forty-seven years ago, the Court affirmed a woman’s right to control her reproductive health care. With this decision, that liberty remains intact for now, as does our ability to access safe, quality health care. California will continue to uphold these values, and we will remain vigilant in our efforts to defend women’s rights across the nation.
In my time as director of clinical services at a women’s health clinic years ago, I worked with extremely talented physicians, nurses and medical staff who provided exceptional levels of care and understanding to our clients. I’m thankful that clinics like that one will be able to continue to provide access to a broad spectrum of options, and that the Supreme Court upheld women’s rights to choose what is best for our bodies and our lives.”
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins