Amici are 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the Attorney General of North Carolina.

The brief argues that Mississippi’s ban on pre-viability abortions is unconstitutional and that there is no basis for the Court to overturn its well-settled precedent.

Amici States argue that the constitutional rule that States may not ban abortions before the point of viability draws an appropriate line that respects state interests while safeguarding a woman’s ability to make one of the most consequential intimate decisions. Amici explain how the viability rule appropriately respects the States’ interests by allowing States to regulate the medical profession, protect potential life, and safeguard health and safety while also safeguarding women’s constitutional rights.

Amici further argue that overturning the viability rule would harm the amici States and its residents. Specifically allowing some states to ban pre-viability abortions would strain the healthcare systems of amici states and impose materially worse health outcomes and reduced socioeconomic opportunities on women living in states with bans.

This brief was one of over 50 amicus briefs filed supporting this Supreme Court case, which challenges Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban. For more information on the case, go to Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.