A Dallas women’s clinic that performed abortions for over 50 years has officially closed.
The Southwestern Women’s Surgery Center shut its doors on March 2, according to a statement posted to the clinic’s website.
“We … are heartbroken to inform you that we are permanently ceasing operations,” the statement said, adding that the clinic has been “a pillar of the abortion community in Dallas” since 1973 — the year Roe v. Wade was decided by the Supreme Court.
Another notice on the clinic’s website cites “the decision from the United States Supreme Court issued June 24th, 2022.”
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Clinic removed federal protections for abortion and returned the authority to regulate the practice back to the states. After the opinion was issued, a Texas trigger law was activated that effectively banned elective abortions, as reported by The Dallas Express.
Since then, the facility had operated as a so-called “abortion travel agency,” helping women travel out-of-state to receive abortions.
Those who call the clinic in search of its services will now be redirected to Southwestern Women’s Options in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The Presidential Women’s Center, another sister clinic of the center, is also continuing operations in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The shutdown of the clinic is being celebrated by members of Texas’ anti-abortion movement.
“This is great news,” tweeted Texas GOP Chairman Matt Rinaldi.
Rebecca Parma, legislative director for Texas Right to Life, said the group “celebrates the closure of Dallas’ largest abortion facility,” as reported by Texas Scorecard.
“For 50 years, Southwestern Women’s Center has been committing abortions,” she continued. “Since Texas’ strong pro-life law took effect protecting all preborn children from the moment of fertilization, this facility has operated as an ‘abortion travel agency,’ helping women travel to obtain abortions in other states.”
“It is great news that Southwestern Women’s Center will no longer be in the business of ending preborn children’s lives and harming women,” Parma said.
The Dallas Express reached out to pro-abortion group Avow for comment but did not receive one prior to publication.