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Friday, Sep 25, 2009 12:33 AM UTC

Justice Ginsburg taken to hospital

The Supreme Court justice, diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, is reportedly in stable health

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Topics: Supreme Court, War Room, Ruth Bader Ginsburg,

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was taken to the hospital Thursday night after feeling faint. A statement from the court says the trip to the hospital was precautionary, and that she was found to be in stable health.

Ginsburg, 76, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. She underwent surgery for it in February, but has reportedly looked healthy while on the bench.

The full statement:

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was taken to the Washington Hospital Center this evening after feeling ill in her Chambers earlier in the day. The Justice felt ill at 4:50 p.m., about an hour after an iron sucrose infusion to treat an iron deficiency anemia that was administered at the Office of the Attending Physician.

The Justice underwent a comprehensive assessment of health in July 2009. This involved medical evaluation, imaging scans, and comprehensive blood tests. The result of this evaluation was that she was in completely normal health with the exception of a low red blood cell count caused by deficiency of iron. Intravenous iron therapy was administered in a standard fashion.

One hour following the completion of this infusion, she felt faint, developed light headedness and fatigue. Medical assistance was summoned from the Office of the Attending Physician and medical evaluation disclosed a slightly low blood pressure which can occur following this treatment. She was monitored at the Court, blood tests were performed and she was found to be in stable health. Fluids were administered and her symptoms improved, but she was taken as a precaution for evaluation at the Washington Hospital Center at approximately 7:45 p.m.

Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon. More Alex Koppelman.

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