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Monday, May 23, 2005 10:37 PM UTC

The Supreme Court re-enters the abortion debate

In a surprise move, the Supreme Court agrees to consider a parental notification case with implications for the constitutionality of abortion laws.

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Topics: Abortion, Supreme Court, War Room,

In a further sign that the outcome of the controversy over President Bush’s judicial nominees has serious consequences for Americans, the Supreme Court on Monday agreed to review a case on abortion notification laws that could make it even harder for minors to get abortions. The case, “Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood,” is part of an acrimonious battle over abortion rights that has escalated in anticipation of Chief Justice Rehnquist’s retirement.

New Hampshire state officials are appealing a November 2004 ruling by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which found the state’s parental notification law unconstitutional because it did not provide an exception for cases in which the health of the mother is in danger. (Most states that have parental notification laws do include such exceptions.) In its consideration of the Planned Parenthood case this fall, it’s possible the Supreme Court could narrow the circumstances under which a judge might allow a minor to bypass notification laws for health reasons.

It’s already difficult for a minor to obtain an abortion in the U.S. without being forced to advise her parents. Forty-four states currently have parental notification laws. In late April, the House passed a bill that would require abortion clinics in states with no such laws to inform the parents of a minor seeking an abortion of her whereabouts. The House bill would also criminalize the act of transporting a minor across state lines to get an abortion — even a public bus driver who did so could face jail time. The bill does provide an exception to save the life of the mother, but that exception could face a challenge if the Supreme Court rules against Planned Parenthood. The Senate will consider a similar bill later this summer, and President Bush has urged it to pass the legislation as soon as possible, to “help continue to build a culture of life in America.

Julia Scott

San Francisco-based freelance journalist Julia Scott writes about water and energy issues for various publications. She also covers the environment for Bay Area News Group, a chain of newspapers in Northern California. More Julia Scott.

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Gripping photos: The people of the Turkey protests (slideshow)

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  • The protests take on a festive element as police forces move out of the park and square. Wearing a gas mask, this young man dances to traditional Turkish music in front of Taksim Square’s Ataturk Monument.

  • In Gezi Park since March 31st, this protester, originally caught off-guard by the Government’s teargas and water cannons, went out and bought a Russian army mask from WWII, preparing for what was to come.

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  • Forming a line, the police face off directly with protesters in Taksim Square. After a while, they retreated and there was a general cheer – a back-and-forth dance that has been common since the beginning of this protest.

  • An elderly woman in Gezi Park reads the news. The tent community occupying the park was violently destroyed on June 16th.

  • Many different groups had set up booths to promote their cause in Taksim Square and Gezi Park. Standing in front of one, this man waves his flag while posing with conviction.

  • Many home-remedies are used to minimize the effects of tear gas. This woman has put a milky solution on her face, removing her mask after the tear gas dissipated. Before sunrise, the police came again for another round of teargasing.

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  • The authorities seem to be most aggressive in the night, pushing protesters away from the square and park. After being teargassed this young woman catches her breath with other protesters on Siraselviler Street.

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