The right to free abortion in the United States came about through a lawsuit in 1973, when the American HD ruled that the state of Texas' abortion laws at the time were not in accordance with the constitution.

But the nine HD judges are politically appointed.

Slightly simplified, Republican presidents usually appoint conservative judges, while democratic presidents appoint more liberal-minded judges.

The majority became, after Donald Trump's time as president, conservative.

This, in turn, has opened the door to a new interpretation of the right to free abortion, something advocates for abortion have been pushing for since the 1973 ruling.

Big differences to expect

That the decision would come was expected.

Already several weeks ago, a draft leaked pointed in the direction of a relaxed abortion right.

But today's decision does not mean that the right to abortion will automatically be limited.

Since the abortion ban is not considered to violate the constitution, it is up to the states to decide what the laws should look like.

In several states, not least in the southern United States, abortion rights are already severely restricted and laws may become even stricter.

Other states may retain the option of free abortion.

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SVT's foreign reporter Gilda Hamidi-Nia explains why abortion law in the US is once again in focus.

Photo: SVT / TT