Since the anti-abortion folks have been unable to have Roe/Casey reversed, so far at least, they've done the next most effective thing: they've succeeded in erecting so many hurdles for the woman needing or desiring an abortion that the right is effectively denied.
Kate Michelman describes here how the requirement to obtain spousal consent is a burden that is quite undue for the abandoned mother who lies in a hospital bed preparing to abort a fourth pregnancy after her husband has abandoned her and their three children. After having appeared before a hospital committee, which granted approval for the procedure, she is then sent from the hospital when a nurse advises that she must obtain her husband's signature approving. She has to track him down, explain her plight, and secure his signature. Then she can continue with her preparations at the hospital for an abortion.
Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito ruled that this was not an undue burden. Ms. Michelman respectfully disagrees.
What do you think?