The arch-conservative majority in the Supreme Court actually did it: on Friday, it overturned the abortion law in the United States, which had existed for almost 50 years. The judges deliberately reignited a socially highly political debate that many thought had largely been resolved.
Now, politicians in conservative states are again allowed to regulate how, when and if a woman can make decisions about her own body.
Numerous states governed by Republicans have so-called “trigger laws” in the drawers, laws which in some cases almost completely prohibit abortion and which can now come into force immediately. Previously, this was prohibited by the landmark judgment “Roe v. Wade” in 1973. Republicans were prepared for this day, yes: they have been working towards it, in some cases for 50 years.
For the majority of Americans, however, the verdict is a great shock, even if the decision had been announced since a preliminary draft of the verdict was made public. Rarely before has it shown the influence of voting decisions.
It was Republican Donald Trump who was able to fill three of the nine seats in the White House in just four years. These judges were recommended to him by opponents of abortion – and Trump was only too happy to follow the advice, knowing how important this issue is for conservative voters. He, who was able to become president because of the electoral system in 2016, although he did not win the most votes, laid the foundation for a different America.
One in which the states are significantly more powerful than has been the case before. And one that is even more divided than it was when he took office.
The crazy thing is, the majority of Americans in polls voted for “Roe v. Wade” to hold on to. Just as, by the way, most Americans would like stricter gun laws – the Supreme Court also ignored this with its decision on Thursday.
A court that represents the views of a radical minority loses legitimacy. As surveys show, this has already been seen in the case of the Supreme Court. Reputation has fallen to an all-time low.
And what now? The majority must finally understand that they are too quiet. Many Democrats would rather follow former first lady Michelle Obama’s advice, “If they go low, we go high,” than offer tough resistance. But sometimes it’s more important to fight for your rights than to be polite and respectful.
