An opportunity for the Alabama Legislature to regulate abortion may soon be on the way.
According to a report from Politico, a leaked opinion showed the U.S. Supreme Court was on the verge of striking down 1973's Roe v. Wade and 1992's Planned Parenthood v. Casey decisions.
Such a ruling from the high court is significant because both cases essentially legalized abortion on demand. If the decisions were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, the ball would be in the states' court to legislate on abortion.
House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville), the number-two ranking member of the Alabama House of Representatives and a declared candidate for Speaker of the House in 2023, took to social media late Monday night to pledge "immediate action" if the U.S. Supreme Court takes action as reported.
Alabama stands ready to take immediate action if the Supreme Court ultimately overturns Roe and allows states to once again determine abortion-related matters.
— Representative Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) May 3, 2022
Our Alabama state motto reads “We Dare Defend Our Rights,” and that includes the rights of the unborn. https://t.co/rGos1Kat1I
"Alabama stands ready to take immediate action if the Supreme Court ultimately overturns Roe and allows states to once again determine abortion-related matters," Ledbetter tweeted. "Our Alabama state motto reads 'We Dare Defend Our Rights,' and that includes the rights of the unborn."
The Alabama Legislature has been proactive on pro-life legislation in the past.
In 2019, the body passed the Human Life Protection Act, also known as House Bill 314 (HB 314), a near-ban on all abortions, and it was signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey.
Ledbetter is one of two declared candidates for House Speaker. He will face State Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark), the chairman of the House General Fund Budget Committee, for the position of leading the House of Representatives currently held by the retiring Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia).
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
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