High Court Blocks Key Parts of Texas Abortion Law

The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with abortion rights advocates in Texas.

On Tuesday, justices blocked key parts of a new Texas law that caused most abortion facilities in the Lone Star State to close.

The high court's move suspends a lower court ruling that allowed the state to immediately demand improvements at abortion clinics statewide.

With three dissenting votes, the court also halted a provision that required doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals.

"We're relieved that the court stepped in to stop this, and we hope this dangerous law is ultimately overturned completely," said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

But Joe Pojman, executive director of Texas Alliance for Life, had a different take on the court's decision.

"This does not protect the health and safety of women who are undergoing abortion. This is definitely a short-term loss, but not necessarily a long-term loss," Pojman said.