Disregard of Women’s Autonomy: SCOTUS Decision Not To Decide

SCOTUS has declined to hear a challenge to a Kentucky law that requires details of ultrasounds be given to women seeking abortions.  Among other details, the ultrasound law requires that the “fetal heartbeat” be played for the pregnant woman. 

Could there be any clearer message that SCOTUS supports abortion restrictions that are unrelated to health law?  The requirement reinforces the distrust of women’s decisions and efforts to control those choices.  Playing sounds of a “heartbeat” has no relevance to medical safety, leaving the rationale for the requirement to dissuade women from completing abortions.  Emotional manipulation should find no cover in the law.  But it has.