Supreme Court of the United States
Whole Woman's Health, Petitioners v. John Hellerstedt
June 27, 2016136 S. Ct. 2292
Summary
The Court reversed the Fifth Circuit, holding that res judicata did not bar challenges to Texas' HB2 provisions and that both the admitting-privileges and surgical-center requirements imposed an undue burden on abortion access because they provided no medical benefits while substantially obstructing access. Justice Thomas dissented, arguing the Court improperly created exceptions to res judicata and altered the undue burden standard. Justice Ginsburg concurred, emphasizing that targeted regulations of abortion providers offer little health benefit while impeding access.