Fight Over Pregnant Immigrant Fizzles After Birth Certificate Shows She’s Not A Minor
The government had been gearing up for another fight of a pregnant immigrant who wanted to seek an abortion. But because she's 19 and not 17, she is no longer in the custody of the Health and Human Services Department office that oversees housing of immigrant children.
The Associated Press:
Prospects Ebb For High Court Fight Over Immigrant’s Abortion
A potential Supreme Court confrontation over the ability of a pregnant immigrant teenager in U.S. custody to have an abortion appears to be receding. The Trump administration says in court papers filed Tuesday that it has obtained the teen’s birth certificate and it shows she is 19 years old, not 17. That means she will no longer be in the custody of the Health and Human Services Department office that oversees shelters housing immigrant children. (12/19)
Politico:
Supreme Court Abortion Showdown Is Defused
The age difference is significant because Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is responsible for adults in immigration detention, tends to have fewer restrictions on pregnant women seeking to obtain abortions while in custody. Later Tuesday, the Justice Department said the immigrant was turned over to ICE and released on her own recognizance. That leaves her free to seek an abortion if she wishes to do so. (Gerstein and Rayasam, 12/19)
