Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

Summary

The Gestational Age Act is a Mississippi law that protects the health of pregnant mothers, the dignity of unborn children, and the integrity of the medical profession by limiting abortions after 15 weeks in gestational age, permitting them only in medical emergencies or for severe fetal abnormality. Mississippi’s law highlights a conflict between the Supreme Court’s ruling in Roe v. Wade and the court’s repeated affirmation in subsequent cases that states have a legitimate interest in limiting abortion and protecting “vulnerable and innocent life” from the moment of conception. On December 1, 2021, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments for this case. 

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that wrongly found a constitutional right to abortion. The Court upheld Mississippi’s Gestational Age Act which protects unborn children and their mothers by limiting abortion to 15 weeks gestation. With Roe gone, states are once again empowered to protect women and their babies. ADF was honored to serve on the Mississippi team defending the law at the Supreme Court in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. From working with Mississippi lawmakers and Governor Bryant to draft and enact the Gestational Age Act in 2018 to helping defend this important law with the State of Mississippi, ADF has been privileged to ensure that women and their unborn children are protected and cherished in Mississippi. ADF will continue to work with state and federal legislatures to ensure that life is a human right protected across the country and that mothers, fathers, and their children receive the care they need to choose life and thrive.

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