On Tuesday, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor referenced the upcoming case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization during a speech at a virtual conference. This is a rare move for a Supreme Court Justice, as they usually refrain from commenting on pending cases.
Legal experts believe that Justice Sotomayor’s mention of Dobbs may be a warning to liberals about the potential impact of the case. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which is set to be heard by the Supreme Court in December, involves a Mississippi law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. This case has the potential to challenge the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
Justice Sotomayor highlighted the importance of protecting existing precedent during her speech, stating “I hope others will join me in ensuring that the Court continues to protect the rights of women and their choices.” Her reference to Dobbs may be a signal to her fellow liberal justices and advocates to rally in defense of abortion rights as the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments in the highly anticipated case.
Overall, Justice Sotomayor’s rare mention of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization serves as a reminder of the significance of this upcoming case and the potential consequences it may have for reproductive rights in the United States.
