MEMPHIS, Tenn. — No matter how you feel about whether there should or should not be a right to abortions in America, the case that was argued Wednesday before the U.S. Supreme Court is one worth watching.
It involves a lawsuit out of Mississippi that challenges that state’s ban on most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. No matter how the court ultimately rules, the decision will have enormous ramifications on politics and governing at the state level.
If the justices uphold the Mississippi ban, it will effectively nullify the 1973 Roe versus Wade ruling that made abortions legal. And if the court strikes down the Mississippi law, other Republican-controlled states, including Tennessee, will still be eager to defend their own even stricter laws – in hopes that Roe versus Wade is eventually overturned. All of which will certainly impact next year’s midterm elections, and even the presidential election two years after that.
It’s why we say all the time that elections have consequences. The best way to determine the kind of country we want, is to vote – particularly in local and state elections – and then hold those elected to office accountable.
Abortion is arguably the most politically divisive issue of our time, even though it directly affects a small percentage of the population. So no matter where you stand, pro, anti or neutral, be on the lookout for the high court’s landmark ruling involving Mississippi.