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Did SCOTUS Inadvertently Make Argument Against Gun Control in Abortion Case Ruling?
This Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 photo shows the Supreme Court building at sunset in Washington. (AP/Jon Elswick)

Did SCOTUS Inadvertently Make Argument Against Gun Control in Abortion Case Ruling?

You decide.

Second Amendment supporters and legal analysts have taken note of a curious passage in the Supreme Court's Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt decision announced Monday. Some are pointing out that the ruling actually makes a legal argument against gun control.

The Court struck down a Texas law requiring doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the facility on Monday.

In the majority opinion, Justice Stephen Breyer, responding to arguments about controversial abortionist Kermit Gosnell and his "House of Horrors" trial, employed an argument frequently used by those who oppose gun control:

Gosnell’s behavior was terribly wrong. But there is no reason to believe that an extra layer of regulation would have affected that behavior. Determined wrongdoers, already ignoring existing statutes and safety measures, are unlikely to be convinced to adopt safe practices by a new overlay of regulations.

Twitter users were quick to note the similarity:

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Kate Scanlon

Kate Scanlon

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