The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to take up a case on the abortion pill mifepristone has unnerved Republicans from swing districts.
The court's decision last year to overturn Roe v. Wade limited GOP gains in last year's midterm elections and is expected to again play a major role in next year's elections, and some Republicans are worried that a ruling to restrict access to mifepristone will make their situation even worse, reported Axios.
"I suspect they'll rule in favor of prohibitions which is a mistake," said one vulnerable House Republican. "The Court is tone deaf."
The Supreme court will consider an appeals court decision that limits FDA rules on how mifepristone can be dispensed and when it can be taken, and moderate Republicans have already pushed back against proposed restrictions to mifepristone access.
"I do not support any efforts to establish a national ban on abortion," said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), one of 15 House Republicans who represent districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020. "The Supreme Court needs to stand down."
The court's term usually ends in late June, which would be right in the middle of the campaign season, and some Republicans are already trying to get in front of a ruling that might restrict access and articulating their position on the issue.
"They cannot allow Democrats to do that for them," one GOP strategist said. "It's the same issue set. With the same messaging solution. Don't run away from talking about it."
