The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments in a landmark abortion case which could potentially decide the fate of Roe v. Wade.
The case before the high court, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, concerns a Mississippi law which solidifies protections for the unborn. The law bans nearly all abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, “except in a medical emergency or in the case of a severe fetal abnormality.”
A central issue surrounding the case relates to the viability of a fetus to survive outside the womb.
Under current precedent set forth by Roe v. Wade, states are generally prohibited from banning abortion until the time of viability, which by most standards is 24 weeks. Should the court rule in favor of the Mississippi law, it could pose the most significant challenge to Roe v. Wade since its establishment in 1973.
Gov. Kay Ivey and Republican members of Alabama’s congressional delegation issued public statements in support of the pro-life movement, which is hoping to score one of its most notable victories in recent history.
Decades after Roe v. Wade — we’re still in this fight. Today, we turn our attention to SCOTUS hearings for the Dobbs case. It not only matters to MS, it matters to AL & all 50 states. People’s interest should be protected through their elected legislators & governors. #alpolitics
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) December 1, 2021
I just joined @LibertyU President Jerry Revo, hundreds of his students, and countless others to show my support for the pro-life movement today as @Scotus hears a major pro-life case. I’m proud to stand for life! pic.twitter.com/mCjbJgLIJT
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) December 1, 2021
Today, #SCOTUS has the opportunity to defend the our most vulnerable citizens, children in the womb. Unborn lives are human lives, and they deserve protection from the law of the land. #EmpowerWomenPromoteLife pic.twitter.com/nekuh28vTq
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) December 1, 2021
Pro-life advocates, including some of my staff, are rallying at #SCOTUS today ahead of arguments in Dobbs vs. Jackson! I agree w/ Justice Thomas that "Our abortion precedents are grievously wrong and should be overruled." States should be able to protect life! #DobbsvJackson pic.twitter.com/YQ4l88T3pW
— Mo Brooks (@RepMoBrooks) December 1, 2021
Unborn babies are innocent human beings. SCOTUS has the opportunity to right a wrong. #EmpowerWomenPromoteLife pic.twitter.com/j5oyfCUSod
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) December 1, 2021
Today, SCOTUS hears a major pro-life case.
Roe v. Wade was a terrible decision by an activist court that has allowed abortion to tragically end over 62 million lives.
Every life is precious & I will always unapologetically fight to protect the sanctity of life at every stage.
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) December 1, 2021
In a statement provided to Yellowhammer News, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) proclaimed, “I have been and will always be on the side of life. I hope our Supreme Court will recognize the right to life for all Americans, including the unborn.”
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) noted his support of the right-to-life efforts.
“As a Christian, I believe the sanctity of human life is not measured by days or weeks. Life begins at conception. That is why I, along with 47 other senators, signed an amicus brief, or friend of the court brief, in support of the Mississippi law.”
The court’s nine-justice makeup currently holds roughly a 6-3 conservative majority, with Republican-appointed Chief Justice John Roberts presiding as a swing vote in a number of cases.
UPDATE 12-2 3:03 p.m.:
In a statement to Yellowhammer News, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) took note of his longtime support of pro-life policies.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have and will continue to support pro-life values and ideals,” declared Alabama’s senior senator. “I believe that it is our moral and ethical duty to protect the dignity of human life, particularly when it comes to the unborn.”
Additionally, Shelby joined fellow Senate Republicans in signing an amicus brief in support of the Mississippi law.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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