In the wake of news that Jackson Women’s Health Organization is suing the state of Mississippi over its TRAP law, Republican Governor Phil Bryant has given up any guise of pretending the law is about ensuring women are safe if they have an abortion complication.

On his website, Bryant released the following statement:

“Mississippi stands ready to vigorously defend House Bill 1390, which requires abortion providers to be certified OB/GYN physicians and have admitting privileges at a local hospital. This basic requirement goes to both the heart of women’s health care and protecting the lives of unborn children.” [emphasis added]

Considering the lawsuit argues that the bill has nothing to do with patient complications and exists solely to stop the clinic’s ability to provide abortions, I would consider this fairly damning evidence in their favor.