Eyeing conservative U.S. top court, two states pass abortion measures
Source: Reuters
SUPREME COURT NOVEMBER 7, 2018 / 1:44 AM / UPDATED 7 HOURS AGO
Eyeing conservative U.S. top court, two states pass abortion measures
Dan Whitcomb
5 MIN READ
(Reuters) - Voters in Alabama and West Virginia on Tuesday passed ballot measures that could pave the way for new limits or a full ban on abortion in those states if the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court overturns the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion.
In Oregon, meanwhile, an initiative that would prohibit the use of taxpayer money to fund abortion except in cases of medical necessity appeared headed for defeat.
The U.S. Supreme Court, in its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, legalized abortion nationwide, and the justices have reaffirmed a womans constitutional right to have an abortion in subsequent rulings since then.
Abortion opponents hope the addition of President Donald Trumps appointee Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, replacing a retired justice who had protected abortion rights and cementing a 5-4 conservative majority, will lead to a dramatic scaling back or outright reversal of abortion rights recognized under the 1973 ruling.
In Alabama, an amendment to the states constitution to formally recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and rights of children, including the right to life was leading by a margin of 59 percent to 40 percent with 96 percent of precincts counted, according to the New York Times.
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