Friday, July 23, 2021

Fitch Fires up the Abortion Fight

 Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement. 

Today, in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch filed her brief with the Supreme Court of the United States, defending the right of the people to pass laws that protect life and women’s health and address legitimate interests of the State.

“There are those who would like to believe that Roe v. Wade settled the issue of abortion once and for all,” said Attorney General Fitch. “But all it did was establish a special-rules regime for abortion jurisprudence that has left these cases out of step with other Court decisions and neutral principles of law applied by the Court. As a result, state legislatures, and the people they represent, have lacked clarity in passing laws to protect legitimate public interests, and
artificial guideposts have stunted important public debate on how we, as a society, care for the dignity of women and their children. It is time for the Court to set this right and return this political debate to the political branches of government.”

As noted in the brief, rather than settle the discord established by Roe, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey made matters worse. “Casey recognized that Roe’s disregard for state interests had to be abandoned…. Casey tried to improve upon Roe by replacing strict scrutiny with the undue-burden standard. But that standard too defeats important state interests rather than accounts for them.”

The brief continues, “The only workable approach to accommodating the competing interests here is to return the matter to ‘legislators, not judges.’...The national fever on abortion can break only when this Court returns abortion policy to the states – where agreement is more common, compromise is more possible, and disagreement can be resolved at the ballot box.”

“With this brief, we’re simply asking the Court to affirm the right of the people to protect their legitimate interests and to provide clarity on how they may do so,” said Fitch.

In the nearly 50 years since Roe, science and society have marched forward. During this time, the viability marker has moved from 28 weeks to 22 weeks in some cases, and science will only continue to advance.

“Legislatures should be able to respond to those advances, which they cannot do in the face of flawed precedents that are anchored to decades-stale views of life and health,” the brief reasons.

The Attorney General asks the Court to consider the policy and cultural shifts that have occurred in the 30-50 years since Roe and Casey and argues that the precedent set in these cases, “shackle states to a view of facts that is decades out of date.”

The brief counters Casey, stating, “Many laws (largely post-dating Roe) protect equal opportunity—including prohibitions on sex and pregnancy discrimination in employment, guarantees of employment leave for pregnancy and birth, and support to offset the costs of childcare for working mothers…. Casey gives no good reason to believe that decades of advances for women rest on Roe, and evidence is to the contrary.”

“A lot has changed in five decades,” continued Fitch. “In 1973, there was little support for women who wanted a full family life and a successful career. Maternity leave was rare. Paternity leave was unheard of. The gold standard for professional success was a 9-to-5 with a corner office. The flexibility of the gig economy was a fairy tale. In these last fifty years, women have carved their own way to achieving a better balance for success in their professional and personal lives. By returning the matter of abortion policy to state legislatures, we allow a stunted debate on how we support women to flourish. It is time for the Court to let go of its hold on this important debate.”



 National Review editorialized on the Attorney General's brief: 

Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood, which ignored text, structure, history — ignored the Constitution nearly completely — to pretend that abortion requires the federal courts to extend it special protection. Fitch and her colleagues explain patiently and thoroughly why those obstacles should be removed. The decisions were “egregiously wrong.” They have inflicted harm to self-government. They have not resulted in the stable consensus the Court has repeatedly sought and predicted. They have rested on premises about the reliability of contraception, the career prospects of women, and the state of medicine that no longer apply if they ever did. These outdated premises are at the heart of the Court’s previous findings about women’s “reliance” on constitutionalized abortion rights.

And they have proven incapable of generating a predictable body of law. The brief notes that just last year, the five justices who agreed to strike down an abortion regulation could not agree on the basis for doing it, and the five justices who agreed on what Casey meant did not reach the same judgment in the case. The justices’ inability to devise a predictable set of rules that protects abortion from legislatures, gives them some leeway to set policy, and has some plausible grounding in the Constitution does not stem from any lack of cleverness on their part. The thing cannot be done.

When the Court handed down Casey in 1992, it tacitly conceded many of the faults of Roe while insisting that the need to preserve public respect for itself as an institution required it to stick with the pretense that the Constitution protects abortion. Fitch gently but firmly observes that after nearly 30 years, this judgment has proven spectacularly wrong. It is the Court’s extraconstitutional role in setting abortion policy, more than anything else, that has diminished and distorted it. Rest of editorial.

 

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Devote some of this energy into WHY Holmes CC is teaching CRT !!!! The abortion fight.....Roe V Wade was set in stone decades ago and will not be changed. Right now we got a bigger issue. Paying students being forced to write papers on their white priviledge needs to be stopped now !! Wake the hell up.

Anonymous said...

If they really wanted to decrease abortions, they would offer free birth control. The fact that they won’t even consider this tells me how untrustworthy their motivations really are. Every first world country thinks abortions should be necessary and legal. The same people that think the vaccine makes you magnetic and that democrats are drinking babies blood shouldn’t be the ones to make this the only nation without those protections for women.

Anonymous said...

dear ms fitch,
rather than continuing to beat a dead horse , why dont you attempt to dismantle the monopoly that blue cross has over health insurance coverage in mississippi?

Anonymous said...

@11:02am - I’m guessing that has something to do with all their campaign contributions to her over the years, but what do I know.

Anonymous said...

@11:36 - it could also be attributed to general incompetence and laziness. She is so bad it’s hard to even imagine she has a plan. She is much like Trump in her superhuman ability to claim ignorance on almost any subject.

Anonymous said...

I am not a proponent of abortion, but I do believe a woman should have a choice. With that being said, for any woman that wants an abortion, but is denied due to anti-abortion legislation, the baby should be given to the anti-abortion politicians to raise themselves. They have to take a minimum 5 each of such children. These children cannot be given up for adoption either. The politicians will also be responsible for the cost of the delivery of said children.

I still do not understand why we free contraception and real sex education are not things in our society! With the proliferation of internet filth, I only foresee more unwanted pregnancies, not to mention STD's, as kids are given a false reality of the consequences of sex.

Anonymous said...

So many criticisms of Fitch. She is fair game, because she is an elected official. But to criticize her for defending MS law is ridiculous. That is her job, whether you agree with the law or not.
RMQ

Anonymous said...

Fitch and Reeves are hypocrites. The government does not have the right to require people to wear a mask or to get a vaccine to protect themselves and others. Yet the government does have the right to tell a raped teenage girl that she is required to give birth. They make me sick.

Anonymous said...

Sickening waste of taxpayer's dollars. Nothing more than pandering to superstitious bible thumpers and political virtue signaling. The pro fifers aren't pro life. They are pro pregnancy. They don't give a rat's ass about the kid once it's born.

Anonymous said...

Women, with exception of a crime being committed against them, have a choice… have unprotected sex or not. It takes the decision of two to make a baby… fact. She didn’t make it on her own, the decision isn’t hers alone. The logic her body her choice works the same the other way so…Men should have a choice of their money…to pay child support or not

As for the AG…. Just waiting to see who else I can vote for next election

Anonymous said...

@4:13
You are funny. Modern feminism dictates that men have consequences and responsibilities, women do not. Women are allowed a lifetime of mistakes in the endless persuit to “find themselves”

Better Than Ever said...

@4:05
Yup, pandering was the exact word that came to mind. Also... unintended consequences. If SCOTUS desires, Mississippi's 15 week law could be struck down.

Anonymous said...

Freedom to choose a medical procedure?

If abortion is made illegal, Covid-19 vaccines should be mandatory.

Both save lives.

Anonymous said...

Pro-lifers claim they want to protect the innocent unborn but they allow abortions for rape victims. The product of a rape is as innocent as the product of consensual sex so obviously protecting fetuses is not really what they want.

Lynn Fitch has never had an original thought in her life. She is way over her head and incompetent at her job.

Anonymous said...

Wow, thanks for spitting in the face of the women who supported you, Lynn

Anonymous said...

Wonder who wrote that for her signature. Probably got a lawyer to write it. Ahem!

Heard a blurb from her on the radio yesterday. It started with, "As the states chief legal officer..." Dayum, how depressing.

Ah, 8:35 - Whose life does abortion save?

Anonymous said...

Well, not get into the abortion debate, but Lynn caused the first of two meltdowns on one of the Saturday morning MSNBC shows today.


The second meltdown was all about Megyn Kelly's criticism of American athletes that hate the USA.

I'm really not a big fan of Fitch or Kelly, but if those two ladies can upset MSNBC ... I love em'.




Anonymous said...

"They don't give a rat's ass about the kid once it's born."

So what? Does being pro-life require that one care about certain things other than pro-life.

I'm pro prison and all in for building more. But, I don't give a rat's ass about a prisoner, once released. Your argument is like an aborted fetus. DOA.

Krusatyr said...

Abortion morality/legal standing is not complicated:

1. one either supports an all encompassing constitutional right to life,

or...

2. in opposition to an inherent constitutional right to life, one prefers killing of unborn/recently born human life at the will of the mother and at the will of the state, generally for the convenience of both.

Abortion is a hideous sacrifice of life, often to relieve the mother of a 22 year responsibility stemming from 20 minutes of lust, to enable PPhood profitable abortion procedures and access to marketable organs and enable politicians access to PPhood contributions.

We need a way to ensure the fathers of these infants take 50% of the financial responsibility for creating a child, rather than justify abortion, in some cases, just because the father doesn't also bear the consequences of sharing equally in an impulsive action.

Legacy or Eulogy said...

When those of you among the elite Republican leadership circle convene at plated dinners to pass out accolades to and for Haley Barbour, please remember that he is solely responsible for the political rise of Phil Bryant, Tate Reeves and Lynn Fitch - A deputy sheriff, a bank teller and a red dress.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.