National Journal: "Why Abortion-Rights Activists Should Fear the Supreme Court"

A rather unsettling article appeared in the National Journal yesterday, and I won't sully it with excess commentary.  I just would like to take a moment to remind everyone of how fortunate we are to live in New York, but the ripple effect of an unfavorable ruling from the Supreme Court could be disastrous, even for us.  Therefore, without further ado, I recommend you all read this.

Why Abortion-Rights Activists Should Fear the Supreme CourtA high-court ruling is seen as a likely last-ditch effort to stop sweeping antiabortion legislation passed in Texas and other states. But counting on a win is a very risky gamble for the law’s opponents.
By Sophie Novack and Sam BakerMay 18, 2014
The abortion-rights movement is on the verge of a massive gamble.
The movement is trying to roll back a wave of state laws that have successfully curtailed access to abortion, and their best hope for doing so—perhaps their only hope for doing so—is likely a ruling from the Supreme Court. Advocates could soon get their wish: A Texas antiabortion law appears headed to the high court as soon as its next session, and a ruling against it could put other states' abortion restrictions on the shakiest of legal ground.
But it's also a move that could backfire: The advocates have no guarantee the Court will rule in their favor. The panel is divided and exceedingly difficult to forecast, and it could issue an unfavorable ruling that would not only sanction the Texas law—but also pave the legal way for new antiabortion laws nationwide.
"I think it is a huge risk," said Heather Busby, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas. "My concern is that at least four, if not five, justices don't have the same level of empathy for the burdens women face that we see on the ground."

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