Unpacking the Supreme Court Shocker
The Supreme Court confirmed that the leaked draft opinion overruling Roe v. Wade is the real deal, whipping the nation into a frenzy. Here’s a look at the latest developments with expert analysis from former Solicitor General Neal Katyal.
An unprecedented leak: Chief Justice Roberts condemned the leak as a “betrayal of the confidences of the Court" and ordered an investigation. Top Republican lawmakers also demanded a probe, saying the leak was an attempt to intimidate the Justices.
Triggered: Thirteen states have passed so-called “trigger laws” which would effectively outlaw abortion almost immediately if Roe v. Wade is repealed — and several others have signaled they could follow suit. Meanwhile, lawmakers in New York, California, and other blue states are rushing to ensure that they remain a safe haven for abortion access.
What else is on the chopping block? In its current form, SCOTUS’s opinion threatens other landmark rulings, like Griswold v. Connecticut, which in 1965 legalized birth control for married couples, or even Obergefell v. Hodges, which guaranteed marriage equality. “If you knock one out, you may very well be knocking the other one out,” Katyal says.
We’ve got more insight from our go-to Constitutional law expert and former Supreme Court clerk, including his thoughts on the possible outcomes from here.
