the nation's largest provider of abortions sued the state of texas on friday over a controversial new law restricting abortions. planned parenthood, which has nearly 750 affiliate health centers, faces a loss of a large number of their centers in texas due to new provisions within the new law, the organization's officials argue.
the lawsuit challenges a provision stating doctors who provide abortions must have admitting privileges at a local hospital. another provision requires direct supervision of a doctor for women to receive the so-called "abortion pill" ru-486.
"we're in court today to stop a terrible situation for women in texas from getting even worse," cecile richards, president of planned parenthood federation of america, said in a statement. the texas attorney general's office had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.
opponents argue the new law could make it difficult for women to get an abortion in rural areas of the state. they also say the procedure requires very few women to be admitted to a hospital. patricio gonzales, president and ceo of planned parenthood association in hidalgo county, texas, shared his concerns with nbc news.
gonzales said, "it's going to drive poor women to illegal means or ways to terminate the pregnancy, which puts them at risk health-wise. this bill doesn't do anything to prevent abortions. it's going to harm more than do any good." he further added some of the illegal medications available in mexico cause serious hemorrhaging and bleeding, sending women to texas emergency rooms.
the new provisions will not go into effect until october 29. but this polarizing issue has dominated texas politics - and helped to elevate the profile of a leading democratic critic, state senator wendy davis. earlier this year, davis made headlines staging a nearly 11-hour filibuster against abortion restrictions and told supporters she may run for governor.
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