Roberts to Hear First Abortion-Related Case

By David Brody
Capitol Hill Correspondent

CBN.com – WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court justices are back on the bench today, after a two-week recess.

This week, the court will hear its first abortion-related case since Chief Justice John Roberts came onto the bench.

The controversial case centers on a New Hampshire law that requires minors seeking an abortion to first tell their parents, and then wait a couple days for the procedure. But the law does not have a health exception requirement.

Pro-choice groups say that is unconstitutional because the teen's health could be harmed by any delay in the abortion. Representative Fran Wendelboe (R-NH) was instrumental in passing the notification law.

"An abortionist could argue that every single pregnancy has a health risk, so they should be able to do an abortion without the parental notification law being in effect," Wendelboe said.

Those who oppose the law, say it is unfair. Planned Parenthood president Karen Pearl said, "The Supreme Court has said time and time again that any restriction on abortion must have an exception to preserve women's health."

This will be the first major abortion case before Roberts. Both conservatives and liberals will be watching patiently to see how he rules. Although arguments will be presented Wednesday, the case will not be decided until next year.

The justices’ decision will be a good indication on whether the court will start to shift to the right on cases involving abortion restrictions.

Prof. Helena Silverstein of Lafayette College said, "If the Court sustains the New Hampshire argument, the Court will essentially gut the abortion right that was upheld in Roe v. Wade.”

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