In recent news, the Supreme Court of the United States has made headlines for its rulings on access to abortion pills. According to CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/03/politics/supreme-court-medication-abortion-access/index.html), the court protected access to a widely used abortion drug by freezing lower-court rulings that had placed restrictions on its use. This decision came after a request from the Biden administration and a drug manufacturer to put on hold a ruling by a federal judge in Texas. NBC News (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supreme-court/supreme-court-allows-abortion-pill-stay-market-now-n1278934) reports that the Justice Department and Danco Laboratories, which makes the brand version of the drug, had asked the court to step in, which the court allowed, for now.
However, not all Supreme Court news has been related to abortion access. The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/sep/02/feinstein-blocks-supreme-court-chief-thomas-testimony) reports that the absence of Senator Feinstein blocked a push for Supreme Court chief Thomas testimony, in a case that could have had far-reaching implications. The Senate judiciary chair was asked if he will subpoena John Roberts over allegations against Clarence Thomas, to which he replied, “I don’t have a majority.”
The Supreme Court has also faced intense scrutiny over a deadline related to abortion access, as CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/02/politics/supreme-court-abortion-access-politics/index.html) reports. The deadline, which loomed at midnight on Friday, was in regard to the most critical abortion case before the Supreme Court since its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. While the court temporarily extended access to the abortion drug with a Friday night deadline (according to CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/01/politics/supreme-court-abortion-access-alito/index.html), it remains to be seen what the future holds for abortion access and the future of American health care.
Overall, the Supreme Court’s recent decisions on access to abortion drugs have garnered headlines, but it is important to note that the court is also involved in decisions that have far-reaching impacts on American society. As always, the Supreme Court’s rulings will be closely watched by legal experts and Americans alike.
