2/1/2019

ABORTION/SUPREME COURT/TEXAS/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Three years after handing down a major decision in favor of abortion rights in a Texas case, the Supreme Court is faced with a nearly identical case from a neighboring state. The biggest difference? There’s a new president in town – and a new Supreme Court. That makes the justices’ upcoming verdict on a Louisiana law requiring abortion providers to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals significant beyond the state’s borders. Their decision could reveal much about the court’s respect for its own precedents, as well as its willingness or hesitancy to wade into hot-button political issues. Unless they intercede, Louisiana’s law will take effect Monday, even though the high court struck down a nearly identical Texas law in 2016. The Louisiana law was upheld by a federal appeals court dominated by conservatives, including five appointed by President Donald Trump. In a last-ditch effort, abortion rights proponents asked the Supreme Court to block the law’s implementation pending further review. But since the Texas case was decided, former associate justice Anthony Kennedy – who was in the majority – has retired.”

Richard Wolf, “Challenge to abortion clinic restrictions in Louisiana will test Supreme Court’s new conservative majority,” USA Today, February 1, 2019 9:11 am