Newhouse Defends Life in Pivotal Supreme Court Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to protect the lives of all Americans, particularly the most innocent, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) joined more than 200 other lawmakers in filing a bicameral amicus brief in the Supreme Court of the United States. The brief is in support of the petitioners in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. With abortion ranking as the leading cause of death in America, the time to act is now.

"As described in our Declaration of Independence, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the God-given rights of all people. A society that cherishes the liberty of all must be reminded that unborn children deserve their chance at freedom. Whether or not we maintain the sanctity of life as one of our highest priorities is an indication of our national commitment to our founding documents," said Rep. Newhouse. "This case provides our nation the opportunity to uphold that commitment."

Click here to read the full text of the amicus brief.

Background:

• This amicus brief is in support of the petitioner, Thomas Dobbs, the Health Officer of the Mississippi Department of Health.
• The underlying case stems from a law passed by the Mississippi legislature in 2018 which restricts all abortions after 15 weeks. The Jackson Women's Health Organization (JWHO), the only licensed abortion provider in the state, brought suit against the state.
  • In the suit JWHO cited Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which held that a state may not place an undue burden on a woman to prevent her from terminating a pregnancy before the stage of viability, which is generally thought to occur around 24 weeks.
  • The district court found for JWHO and the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed.
  • SCOTUS granted certiorari on May 17, 2021 for the fall term.
• The case asks the Court to rule on whether all pre-viability abortion restrictions are unconstitutional.

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