LEWISVILLE, TX— Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Whole Woman’s Health vs. Hellerstedt, which strikes down the Texas law that would provide essential protections for women’s health.

“I am disheartened and disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Texas law establishing reasonable and essential protections for the health and safety of women. This decision will allow abortion facilities to continue conducting medical procedures without common-sense quality standards. It is disgraceful that following the horrifying conditions of Pennsylvania abortionist Kermit Gosnell’s clinic and resulting murder conviction, the Supreme Court wouldn’t allow the state of Texas to take the critical steps to ensure women are receiving safe and appropriate care.

"This is a clear instance of federal overreach that seizes the long-standing right of states to set safety standards for providing medical care to patients. As a former practicing OB-GYN, I remain committed to protecting unborn lives and quality health care and medical services for women.”

###