On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will be hearing a case that could upend abortion rights for the entire country. In Texas, which has already enacted the draconian abortion ban also known as Senate Bill 8, reproductive advocates are bracing for an even grimmer climate.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization originated in Mississippi after the state passed a ban on abortions after fifteen weeks. This is the first abortion-related case the Supreme Court has heard since Amy Coney Barrett was sworn in as a Justice and the court shifted to a 6-3 conservative majority.
Earlier this year, Greg Abbott signed a “trigger law” which would outlaw abortion in the event the Supreme Court does indeed overturn Roe v. Wade. House Bill 1280 would also make performing an abortion a felony.
This month the Supreme Court also oversaw an expedited hearing for SB 8. Several of the Justices appeared skeptical about the unique structure of SB 8, which deputizes citizens to sue anybody they believe has aided or abetted an abortion. Justice Kavanaugh noted that a blue state could enact a similar law against guns. A poll from ABC News and The Washington Post recently showed that a majority of Americans are not in favor of overturning Roe v. Wade. Sixty percent of Americans believe that the decision should be upheld. That same poll also showed that 65 percent of Americans do not support laws like SB 8.
A longtime writer and journalist, Jessica was thrilled to join the Texas Signal where she could utilize her unique perspective on politics and culture. As the Features and Opinion Editor, she is responsible for coordinating editorials and segments from diverse authors. She is also the host of the podcast the Tex Mix, as well as the co-host for the weekly SignalCast. Jessica attended Harvard College, is a onetime fitness blogger, and has now transitioned to recreational runner (for which her joints are thankful).
