By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
A Louisiana law bears resemblance to a Texas statute tossed by SCOTUS three years ago. But that was before confirmation of two Trump nominees.
The Supreme Court announced Friday it will hear a case about a Louisiana law requiring abortion doctors to have admitting privileges at hospitals within 30 miles.
The case will serve as the first test of how the court will treat abortion access following the confirmation of two new justices appointed by President Donald Trump. And LGBTQ activists point out the fight will impact the lives on many queer individuals. Notably, the Roe v. Wade case ensuring a woman's right to abortion involved a lesbian plaintiff, the late Norma McCorvey.
Louisiana put its abortion statute in place in 2016. The court in February voted 5-4 to block enforcement of the measure, with Chief Justice John Roberts, an appointee of President George W. Bush, joining with liberal justices, notes NBC News. That means the law cannot be enforced until a ruling comes from the high court, likely next spring.
At the time, recently appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh said he wanted to see how many doctors would obtain the required privileges.
A federal judge in 2017 ruled the law was likely unconstitutional. But the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals later lifted a stay on the law's enforcement. The appeals court later ruled the law does not impose an undue burden on access to abortion.
The law is similar to a Texas law struck down three years ago by the Supreme Court, before any Trump appointees were put on the bench.
Timing of arguments in front of the Supreme Court will now take place with the backdrop of a heated presidential election, USA Todaynotes.
