AUSTIN –  Today, an amicus brief was filed with the United States Supreme Court by Texas state legislators urging the Court to affirm the 5th Circuit’s decision to uphold House Bill 2 (HB2), passed during the 83rd legislative session in 2013. HB2 ensures the health and safety of women at Texas abortion facilities by holding the clinics to the same standards as ambulatory surgical centers. It requires abortion practitioners to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility.

“As state senator, I helped pass legislation to make sure women have access to hospital-level care should they choose to have an abortion,” said Patrick. “This is why I signed onto today’s bipartisan amicus brief on Whole Woman’s Health v John Hellerstedt, M.D., Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, et al. As author of the sonogram bill, I remain committed to protecting women’s right to know about their health when they pursue this fateful procedure.

“As lieutenant governor, during this year’s interim, I’ve charged the Health and Human Services Committee with reviewing current practices of abortion clinics so that Texas can ensure that the sanctity of life is protected.”