It’s been a tumultuous week in Washington, beginning Monday when a leaked draft opinion from Supreme Court Justice Alito was published online. The case, Dobbs v. Jackson, Mississippi Women’s Health Organization, is exploring what, if any, restrictions should be placed on abortion in our country. The law being considered is a Mississippi law limiting access to abortions after 15 weeks’ gestation.
First and foremost, it is despicable that someone in the confidence of the Supreme Court justices would leak this draft opinion. It undermines decades of precedent and is an attempt to fundamentally alter the way our highest Court operates. I am glad to see that Chief Justice Roberts has ordered an investigation into the leak.
When laying out our government, the Founders, in Article III of the Constitution, set the Supreme Court apart from the political passions of the other two branches. They gave Supreme Court justices lifetime appointments to give them the freedom to interpret the Constitution without needing to look toward the next election. They recognized the need for the court to remain neutral in the face of public opinion.
Abortion has been a politically charged topic for decades. I am decidedly and passionately pro-life, and I have a voting record to prove it. However, it is the Supreme Court that decides whether or not the laws that we make in Congress and that the states make in their legislatures are compatible with the Constitutional principles we hold dear.Ultimately, I believe duly elected state legislatures should be the ones to decide on abortion laws. I agree with the sentiments Justice Alito voiced in the leaked draft opinion. I hope and pray for a pro-life outcome when we do see the final opinion on this case.