The Supreme Court has made several significant rulings in recent days that affect the access to the medical abortion pill mifepristone in the United States. On Friday, the court preserved full access to the medication by freezing lower court rulings that placed restrictions on its distribution. (Fox News) This ruling came after the Justice Department and Danco Laboratories, the makers of the drug, asked the court to step in. (NBC News)
The court also faced a Friday deadline in a case that could shape abortion access and the future of American health care. (CNN) Justice Samuel Alito temporarily extended a hold on a lower court ruling that would have imposed restrictions on the access to the abortion pill. (CNN) The drug will remain widely available as the Justices extended their deadline to Friday on whether to uphold the FDA’s approval of the medication. (The New York Times)
These rulings are significant wins for advocates of reproductive rights who argued that restrictions on the medication placed an undue burden on patients seeking abortion care. (CNN) However, the future of abortion access in the US remains uncertain, as the Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a case in the upcoming term that could potentially overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that established a woman’s right to choose an abortion. (CNN)
Meanwhile, speculation is growing about the possible retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer, who is 82 years old and has served on the Supreme Court since 1994. (CNN) This would give President Biden the opportunity to nominate a third justice to the high court, following his successful appointments of Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. (CNN)
In addition, the absence of Senator Dianne Feinstein from Senate Judiciary Committee has blocked a push for Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas’ testimony over allegations against Justice Clarence Thomas. (The Guardian) The Senate Judiciary chair said he doesn’t have a majority to subpoena John Roberts. (The Guardian)
As these developments continue to unfold, the Supreme Court remains at the center of political and social discourse in the United States. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, it is clear that the decisions made by the court have far-reaching implications for the future of the country. (CNN)
