The Texas abortion law diminishes RBG's legacy. Stephen Breyer should take note.

Stephen Breyer.
(Image credit: Illustrated | Getty Images, iStock)

One hates to say it, but Wednesday's Supreme Court decision to let a Texas antiabortion law stand — for now — must be seen as part of former Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's legacy, a glaring lapse that must be considered alongside all her genuine accomplishments in fighting for women's rights.

Ginsburg, of course, isn't on the court: She died last year. But Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Donald Trump appointee, is on the court; she provided the crucial fifth vote to let the Texas law go into effect. And Barrett is on the court as a result of Ginsburg's own choice not to retire back when President Obama and a Democratic-controlled Senate could have named and confirmed her replacement, respectively.

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Joel Mathis, The Week US

Joel Mathis is a freelance writer who has spent nine years as a syndicated columnist, co-writing the RedBlueAmerica column as the liberal half of a point-counterpoint duo. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic, The Kansas City Star and Heatmap News. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.