The opponents of Texas’ new legislation against abortion saw another defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court after a majority refused a request Thursday that would bolster their efforts against the law.
Texas passed the ban on abortion after six weeks in May, 2021 and incurred a maelstrom of fury from pro-abortion advocates on the left.
In December, the Supreme Court ruled against the opponents of the law and allowed it to remain in force while clearing a path for the lawsuit to continue. Abortion providers sought to have the remaining lawsuit sent to a Texas judge, who has previously expressed skepticism in the legality of the law, rather than have it be sent to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals where it has far less chance of success.
On Thursday, the majority ruled against the litigants without comment.
The liberal justices issued a scathing dissent excoriating the ruling.
“This case is a disaster for the rule of law and a grave disservice to women in Texas, who have a right to control their own bodies,” wrote Justice Sonia Sotomayor in a dissent endorsed by Justices Stephen Breyer and Elena Kagan.
“I will not stand by silently as a State continues to nullify this constitutional guarantee,” she added.
The procedural defeat for opponents of the Texas law means it will remain in force while the lawsuit drags on in the appeals court.
Abortion advocates immediately decried the decision.
“Once again, the court system is failing us. #SCOTUS has rejected a request from abortion providers to move #SB8 to a lower court. This means that #SB8 will remain in effect while we wait in legal limbo. This delay is unacceptable and a violation of our rights,” tweeted the official account for Planned Parenthood Texas Votes.
Here’s more about the fight over the Texas law:
Texas abortion law remains in place as judges decide who gets to hear the case next
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