Saturday, October 15, 2005

ACLU Abortion Case Put On Hold By Justice Thomas

This could develop into an interesting item although a temporary stay is sometimes issued to allow time for the filing of more arguments. I just found it pleasing to see one of the conservative justices taking the bull by the horns. Clarence Thomas cooling the jets of the ACLU. Bravo! Christmas may be coming early this year. That's right ACLU, I said CHRISTmas!

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court late Friday temporarily blocked a federal judge‘s ruling that ordered Missouri prison officials to drive a pregnant inmate to a clinic on Saturday for an abortion. Justice Clarence Thomas , acting alone, granted the temporary stay pending a further decision by himself or the full court.

Under a policy adopted in July, Missouri‘s prison system does not provide transportation or security for inmates seeking abortions. The policy is based on a state law that prohibits the spending of public funds "for the purpose of performing or assisting an abortion not necessary to save the life of the mother."

The state estimated it would cost $350 plus fuel for two guards to accompany the woman on the 80-mile trip from her cell in Vandalia to a St. Louis clinic.

"It is not the prison that has imposed the burden, but the prisoner's violation of the law that resulted in her incarceration that has imposed the burden," Attorney General Jay Nixon's office said.

The woman‘s attorney, James Felakos of the American Civil Liberties Union , said in court papers that the woman is running out of time because she is 16 weeks to 17 weeks pregnant, and Missouri bars abortions after 22 weeks.

Justice Thomas handles appeals from the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which includes Missouri. He could lift the stay over the weekend, after reviewing more legal arguments.

From: Herald News Daily & Yahoo News.

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