Press Releases

Video: Johnson Shares Reaction after Attending Supreme Court Arguments on LA Admitting Privileges Law

Washington, DC, March 4, 2020

 U.S. Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) released the following statement after attending oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court on Louisiana’s admitting privileges law. The law would require all abortion providers to have admitting privileges at local hospitals when emergencies arise. The court’s decision, which will come later this year, could determine the right of Louisiana and other states to enact reasonable health and safety regulations on the abortion practice:

“The argument of the state of Louisiana, and the one we made early on in this case, is that the abortion industry’s interests are in profits, not patients. They have an interest that is diametrically opposed and in direct conflict of interest of the women whose health is being protected by the laws.

“Seven of the nine justices inside, just a few moments ago, were very engaged in this. They asked thoughtful questions during the oral argument. I’m confident and optimistic that we will get a majority opinion in this case.”

To download the full video of Rep. Johnson’s statement, click here.

BACKGROUND

  • On January 2, 2020, Rep. Johnson led more than 200 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief to stand up for Louisiana’s pro-life law before the Supreme Court. To view the full text of the amicus brief, click here.
     
  • On October 4, 2019, Rep. Johnson released the following statement in response to the Court’s decision to hear the case:

    “The Supreme Court did not just undermine the will of the people of Louisiana when it blocked this law from going into effect earlier this year, it put the safety of countless, vulnerable women at risk from a profit-motivated, abortion industry notorious for working in dangerous and filthy conditions. The Court’s decision to take up the case represents an opportunity to change that. I hope it will rule in favor of protecting both states’ rights and the health and safety of vulnerable Louisianans.”
     
  • Prior to being elected to Congress, Johnson was co-counsel for the state and helped defend the law in the district court trial of the case.