The Supreme Court released its long-awaited decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on Friday morning. The decision overturns Roe v. Wade, thereby returning the issue of abortion back to the states and the democratic process.
For the first time since 1973, states, through their elected representatives, will have the power to protect the lives of the unborn from being killed through abortion.
The entire decision, written by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito, can be read here.
This case challenged Mississippi's 2018 law prohibiting abortion after 15 weeks of gestation. While it was initially struck down by lower courts, Mississippi took the opportunity to argue for the complete overturn of the Supreme Court's abortion precedent. Today, their efforts succeeded. The lives of millions might be saved as a result.
In the decision, Alito writes, “There is nothing in the Constitution about abortion, and the Constitution does not implicitly protect the right. It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives."
Legal abortion will continue in states, such as Illinois, that do not pass laws protecting the unborn. The pro-life movement is not over, but overturning Roe is a significant step that will save lives.
