Supreme Court Signals Willingness to Uphold Mississippi’s Abortion Ban

“It is deeply troubling, though not surprising, that this Supreme Court chose to take up this case despite its consistent rulings that states cannot ban abortion pre-viability. Throughout today’s arguments, the conservative justices clearly signaled their willingness to overturn more than fifty years of precedent.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2021

CONTACT
Gabbi Pierce, Communications Manager
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651.789.2090

Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, a case that presents a very real threat to Roe v. Wade and abortion rights across the country.

The following statement can be attributed to Gender Justice Executive Director Megan Peterson:

“It is deeply troubling, though not surprising, that this Supreme Court chose to take up this case despite its consistent rulings that states cannot ban abortion pre-viability. Throughout today’s arguments, the conservative justices clearly signaled their willingness to overturn more than fifty years of precedent.

“Everyone deserves the freedom to make their own decisions about their bodies and their lives — including the decision to have an abortion. Full stop. Abortion is essential health care and our constitutional right. As Justice Sotomayor made clear today, unravelling this right could lead to the rollback of other hard fought rights and liberties such as who we can marry, how we form our families, and more.

“Abortion restrictions, like the Mississippi law in front of the Court today, disproportionately harm Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, young people, immigrants, and those having difficulty making ends meet. This is the direct result of historic racism, ongoing white supremacy, and coercive reproductive policies in our country.

“Minnesota is already far too close to becoming the only state in the Upper Midwest with legal protections for abortion. Alongside our UnRestrict Minnesota coalition partners, Gender Justice will fight for our communities, pursue reproductive freedom in our state’s courts, and do everything in our power to protect abortion access for all.”