WASHINGTON — Today the US Supreme Court ruled in Whole Women's Health v. Jackson that abortion providers have the right to challenge a Texas law banning abortion after six weeks and deputizing private citizens to carry out the law.  

“The most important thing about today’s ruling is that this case can move forward and women’s health providers will have their day in court,” said Dr. Deborah Ann Turner, board president of the League of Women Voters of the United States. “If it goes into effect, this egregious law would nullify civil rights protections for thousands of women, with a greater impact in Black, brown, and low-income communities. Importantly, the case has a path forward to reiterate that reproductive choice is not a crime — it is a human right.” 

The League of Women Voters of the United States joined an amicus brief filed by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and 10 other civil rights organizations in support of abortion providers. 

“With today’s news, the path is now cleared to challenge this horrific law and protect abortion access in Texas,” said Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas, who advocated against SB8 in the Texas legislature. “The League of Women Voters of Texas will continue to advocate for safe and accessible reproductive rights for all Texans.” 

Whole Women’s Health v. Jackson will now return to the lower court to determine if the state law violates the US Constitution.