The most significant abortion case to come before the court since 1992, will be argued before 8 justices Wednesday.
Politico
OK gang, right here, right now, but at least before noon Tue. Obama SO NEEDS to make an interim appointment of a pro choice, but impeccably credentialed, jurist. Preferably one retired and close to 80.
Of course he won't.
Quote:
The Supreme Court this week will hear arguments on whether Texas can limit abortions to surgical centers and to doctors affiliated with nearby hospitals — potentially reshaping the national landscape on abortion during a presidential election year.
Eight justices will hear oral arguments Wednesday in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the most significant abortion case to come before the court since 1992, and among the most significant constitutional tests since the court upheld abortion rights in the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.
“This is a watershed moment in the battle for reproductive rights,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, the law firm representing the Texas clinics challenging the law.
The ruling is likely in late June — just weeks before the Democratic and Republican conventions in a volatile election year when the court itself has become part of the political narrative since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, a fervent opponent of abortion.
The arguments come against a backdrop of hundreds of state laws that restrict abortion, leaving swathes of the country without clinics. In Texas, more than half the state’s 41 clinics have closed since provisions of the far-reaching law have taken effect. If the remaining contested provisions are upheld, only about 10 would remain, mostly in cities.
The court’s ruling in the case could more clearly define how far states can go to regulate doctors and clinics without creating “an undue burden” on women — a criteria the justices created in 1992 in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Or if they deadlock 4-4, with Scalia’s seat vacant, an appellate court’s decision upholding of the Texas law would stand and the high court’s decision would apply only in a handful of states, with the possibility of a rehearing when a ninth justice is seated. The court could also hold off issuing any decision this term in anticipation of a full court next year after a new president nominates his or her choice.
Eight justices will hear oral arguments Wednesday in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the most significant abortion case to come before the court since 1992, and among the most significant constitutional tests since the court upheld abortion rights in the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling.
“This is a watershed moment in the battle for reproductive rights,” said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, the law firm representing the Texas clinics challenging the law.
The ruling is likely in late June — just weeks before the Democratic and Republican conventions in a volatile election year when the court itself has become part of the political narrative since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, a fervent opponent of abortion.
The arguments come against a backdrop of hundreds of state laws that restrict abortion, leaving swathes of the country without clinics. In Texas, more than half the state’s 41 clinics have closed since provisions of the far-reaching law have taken effect. If the remaining contested provisions are upheld, only about 10 would remain, mostly in cities.
The court’s ruling in the case could more clearly define how far states can go to regulate doctors and clinics without creating “an undue burden” on women — a criteria the justices created in 1992 in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Or if they deadlock 4-4, with Scalia’s seat vacant, an appellate court’s decision upholding of the Texas law would stand and the high court’s decision would apply only in a handful of states, with the possibility of a rehearing when a ninth justice is seated. The court could also hold off issuing any decision this term in anticipation of a full court next year after a new president nominates his or her choice.
