Reproductive health is a hot-button issue once again following the Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade. Last month, I wanted to know where you stand on the personal, legal and societal questions surrounding abortion. Here are the results:
My thoughts: An overwhelming majority of survey participants know a friend or loved one who has had an abortion. Psychologists note that having a personal connection to a social issue is often enough to sway one’s views in the direction of understanding and acceptance. This helps to explain our nation’s increasing approval of gay marriage, gender-affirming surgery and, of course, abortion rights.
What’s interesting about the recent Dobbs case, which overturned Roe v. Wade, is the sizable gap between the Supreme Court’s majority opinion and public opinion. Obviously, constitutional law is not a popularity contest and Justices are under no obligation to consider American sentiment (or the likelihood of public backlash) when rendering decisions.
But when the Supreme Court ignores the will of the people, problems arise. The most famous example came in the 1930s when President Roosevelt threatened to pack the court after the Supreme Court’s conservative majority voted repeatedly to undo parts of the wildly popular “New Deal.” The president’s threat proved effective, and SCOTUS would never again strike down a New Deal law.
Historians remember how that standoff created a Constitutional crisis. Today, given the growing chasm between public sentiment and the Court, I fear another crisis is in the making—one that would have a significant and negative impact on our nation’s health.
Thanks to all who voted! To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Pearl’s newest book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients,” is available now. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
