Supreme Court considering new limits on the right to abortion

A majority of Supreme Court justices appeared to support new limits on the right to abortion on Wednesday after hearing arguments on a Mississippi abortion case.

On Wednesday the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a law case that challenges the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973, which legalized abortion nationwide.  

The Mississippi law would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, coming in direct conflict with the 50-year rule that says states cannot prohibit abortion before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Abortions after 15 weeks would only be possible in medical emergencies.

Under the Mississippi law, doctors could have their licenses revoked if they perform an abortion after they detect a heartbeat.

After hearing 90 minutes of oral arguments, the court’s conservative judges appeared ready to uphold the Mississippi law.

“If you think that the issue is one of choice, that women should have the choice to terminate their pregnancy, that supposes that there is a point at which they’ve had the fair choice, the opportunity to choice. And why would 15 weeks be an inappropriate line? Viability, it seems to me, doesn't have anything to do with choice. But if it really is an issue about choice, why is 15 weeks not enough time?” Chief Justice John Roberts asked.

It is still unclear whether the court will take additional steps to overturn the previous standard that prevented states from banning abortion before the age of fetal viability.

Supporters of the law argue that it is intended to regulate “inhumane procedures.” Opponents claim that the law is unconstitutional.

"By banning abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, SB 226 prevents a woman’s free choice, which is central to personal dignity and autonomy,” said Judge Carlton Reeves, a federal judge who issued a preliminary injunction blocking the law in May.