U.S. Supreme Court strikes down Texas restrictive abortion laws

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down Texas' restrictive abortion law, handing a major victory to abortion rights activists.

In a 5-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the two major provisions of the Texas law place "a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman's choice" and impose "un undue burden" on the right of women seeking an abortion.

Under the Texas abortion law passed in 2013, abortion doctors must obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles (48 kms), and abortion clinics must meet the stricter standards of hospital-style "ambulatory surgical centers."

In a majority opinion, the Supreme Court said that neither provision "offers medical benefits sufficient to justify the burdens upon access that each imposes."

Abortion rights activists sued Texas after the abortion law was passed in 2013, arguing it violates a woman' s right to seek abortion under federal law.

Though the Supreme Court ruling only concerns the abortion law in Texas, it is expected to have a ripple effect because two dozen other U.S. states have similar restrictions on abortions.

Presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton swiftly praised the Supreme Court ruling, calling it "a victory for women in Texas and across America."

"Safe abortion should be a right - not just on paper, but in reality," Clinton said.

"The fight isn't over. The next president has to protect women's health. Women won't be 'punished' for exercising their basic rights," Clinton added. Endit