Supreme Court Sides with Biden in Oklahoma Abortion Referral Fight

Oklahoma Law Requires State to Issue Abortion Referrals

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Biden administration in a case involving an Oklahoma law that requires state employees to provide information about abortion services to pregnant women.

The law, which was passed in 2020, requires state employees, including doctors and nurses, to provide information about abortion services to pregnant women who are seeking prenatal care. The law also requires state employees to refer pregnant women to an abortion provider if the woman requests one.

Biden Administration Argues Law Violates Establishment Clause

The Biden administration argued that the law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from endorsing or promoting religion.

The administration argued that the law requires state employees to provide information about abortion services even if they have religious objections to abortion. The administration also argued that the law requires state employees to refer pregnant women to abortion providers even if the employees believe that abortion is morally wrong.

Supreme Court Upholds Lower Court Ruling

The Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that blocked the Oklahoma law from taking effect. The Supreme Court ruled that the law violates the Establishment Clause because it requires state employees to provide information about and refer pregnant women to abortion providers even if the employees have religious objections to abortion.

Implications of the Ruling

The Supreme Court's ruling has implications for other states that have passed similar laws requiring state employees to provide information about abortion services to pregnant women.

The ruling could also affect other cases involving the Establishment Clause and the government's ability to promote religion.