This morning’s Supreme Court decision in Gonzalez v. Carhart goes a long way to overturning Roe v Wade. Lawyers for Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights, in a press conference just a few minutes ago, said the ruling turns the decision of whether a woman can or cannot have an abortion from doctors to the politicians in state legislatures.
The decision could end up affecting abortions from the 13th week on. Justice Kennedy writing for the 5-4 majority makes it clear he expects the decision to be enforced. The question is how? Lawyers for both groups said doctors should now consult with their attorneys. The decision will go into effect in 25 days.
Eve Gartner, Lead Counsel for Planned Parenthood, said the decision amounts to “politicians playing doctor.” Nancy Northup, President of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said the ruling “gutted protection for women’s health.”
