The Supreme Court is making way for abortion providers to challenge a Texas law in federal court.
The “fetal heartbeat bill,” a law banning all abortions after six weeks, went into effect in Texas in September. The Supreme Court then upheld the law in a 5-to-4 vote.
Justice correspondent for CNN Jessica Schneider explains, “Good news for abortion providers in this case. They can, in fact, move forward with their lawsuit to attempt to block this law.”
She continued, “On the flip side, though, the Supreme Court has not blocked the law in the meantime while their challenge goes forward. So today marks the 100th day that this law, SB 8, has been in effect effectively shutting down abortion clinics in this state. And it turns out, according to the Supreme Court this morning, that effective shutdown will continue.”
Watch her comments below:
The Supreme Court will allow abortion providers to challenge the Texas abortion ban, but the ban will remain in effect for now. pic.twitter.com/EZph5U3Kms
— The Recount (@therecount) December 10, 2021
A Washington Post-ABC News poll published in November found 65% of Americans say the Supreme Court should reject the law while only 29% say the court should uphold it, as IJR previously reported.
An ABC News/Washington Post poll shows 60% of Americans say the Supreme Court should uphold Roe v. Wade compared to 27% who believe it should be overturned.
When it comes to state legislation making it more difficult for clinics to operate, only 36% of Americans support it, while 58% say they oppose it.
Americans—60-27%—say the Supreme Court should uphold Roe v. Wade, according to the latest @ABC News/WaPo Poll. https://t.co/rAw5yVaJn3 pic.twitter.com/wvNVZqjjp4
— ABC News (@ABC) December 10, 2021
Seventy-five percent say the decision whether or not to have an abortion should be left up to the woman and her doctor. Only 20% agree.
Several took to Twitter to respond to the ruling.
Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) tweeted, “This half measure from the Supreme Court is wrong. It continues to deny Texans their constitutional right to an abortion and is causing harm at this very moment.”
This half measure from the Supreme Court is wrong. It continues to deny Texans their constitutional right to an abortion and is causing harm at this very moment. https://t.co/aKWe4z5oes
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) December 10, 2021
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) argued, “Trump’s Supreme Court justices are not going to protect our right to abortion — so we must. As one of the one in four women across America who have had an abortion, I am calling on the Senate to end the filibuster and pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. This can’t wait.”
Trump's Supreme Court justices are not going to protect our right to abortion — so we must.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) December 10, 2021
As one of the one in four women across America who have had an abortion, I am calling on the Senate to end the filibuster and pass the Women's Health Protection Act. This can't wait.
Read other reactions below:
While SCOTUS has allowed challenges to SB 8 to proceed, it's outrageous that the Court has again decided not to block Texas' unconstitutional abortion ban. More Texans are harmed every day this law is allowed to stand. The Senate must pass the Women's Health Protection Act.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) December 10, 2021
It’s been over 100 days since Texas abortion ban went into effect.
— Antonio Arellano (@AntonioArellano) December 10, 2021
Todays SCOTUS decision allows #SB8 to continue to stand and will further jeopardize the healthcare and well-being of Texans.
This law is unconstitutional and should have never been passed.
SCOTUS has once again refused to stop Texas from banning abortion, in open and unapologetic violation of our Constitution.
— Mondaire Jones (@MondaireJones) December 10, 2021
We are running out of time to #ExpandTheCourt. What are we waiting for?
Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued the Supreme Court should have “put an end to this madness months ago.”
Powerful words from Justice Sotomayor on today’s disappointing Supreme Court decision to allow #SB8 to remain.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 10, 2021
We stand with @WWHAlliance and all those fighting for the right to an abortion.
To anyone who needs abortion care, New York is here for you. pic.twitter.com/W7ffLzlGIK
She added, “The Court thus betrays not only the citizens of Texas, but also our constitutional system of government.”