On Wednesday, oral arguments were heard at the Supreme Court in a case that will likely overturn Roe v. Wade. In Texas, which is already functioning under a draconian abortion ban, abortion providers are bracing for the worst.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization originated in Mississippi after the state passed a ban on abortion after fifteen weeks, a clear violation of the precedent set in Roe v. Wade. With Amy Coney Barrett now a Supreme Court Justice the court has a 6-3 conservative super majority.
Barrett appeared more than willing to overturn Roe v. Wade and said a pregnant person could simply turn to adoption instead of obtaining an abortion.
On the counter side, Justice Sonia Sotomayor was forceful over her objections to the court even hearing the Dobbs case. “Will this institution survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the constitution and it’s reading are just political acts?” she declared. “I don’t see how it is possible.”
An opinion in the Dobbs case isn’t likely until June when the Supreme Court issues all of their opinions. Last month, the Supreme Court convened for an expedited hearing over Senate Bill 8, which is essentially a six-week abortion ban in Texas and deputizes citizens to sue anybody they believe has aided or abetted an abortion.
Even conservative justices like Brett Kavanaugh appeared skeptical at upholding SB 8, but only because the unique nature of the law could be used in blue states to enact gun control legislation.
If the court does overturn Roe v. Wade, Greg Abbott has already signed legislation (also known as a trigger law) that would ban all abortions in the state. It would also make performing an abortion in the state a felony.
Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
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).
