It’s a Supreme Court Case Summer
Photo: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Each June, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) drops its hottest and most controversial case decisions before the justices head off to their summer homes. Past June rulings include the 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade and the 2015 legalization of same-sex marriage. This year, the Court will be releasing decisions on everything from book bans to trans rights to Planned Parenthood to birthright citizenship.
Grab your summer drink of choice and let’s get into what you can expect in the coming weeks.
Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
(the reproductive rights case)
→ Deciding whether a state can prevent you from using your Medicaid or Medicare from receiving preventative care, cancer screenings, pap smears, mammograms, and any other medical assistance (not including abortions) at Planned Parenthood clinics.
→ In a 6–3 ruling, the Supreme Court has sided with South Carolina in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, ruling that Medicaid recipients can no longer sue when states exclude providers like Planned Parenthood. This devastating decision that could make it harder for millions of Medicaid recipients to access essential health care.
Mahmoud v. Taylor
(the book ban case)
→ Do parents have a religious right to exempt their children from reading materials that include LGBTQ+ themes? The case stemmed from the children’s book, Pride Puppy.
→ In a 6–3 ruling, the Supreme Court has sided with Tamer Mahmoud and a group of parents in Mahmoud v. Taylor, holding that parents may withdraw their elementary school children from class when LGBTQ+ storybooks are read. This decision sets a dangerous precedent, chipping away at inclusive public education.
Trump v. CASA
(the birthright citizenship case)
→ Arguing whether it is constitutional
to deny citizenship to children born
in the United States to immigrant parents. This case challenges over 150 years of legal precedent and a Constitutional Amendment.
→ In a 6–3 ruling, the Supreme Court has sided with former Trump in Trump v. CASA, sharply limiting judges' ability to block executive orders — including Trump’s effort to repeal birthright citizenship. The ruling weakens judicial checks on presidential power and opens the door to sweeping attacks on immigrant rights and constitutional protections.
Ames v. Department
of Youth Services
(the “reverse discrimination” case)
→ A straight, white woman is arguing that it is not as easy for her (and
other majority-group plaintiffs) to argue discrimination suits as it is
for minorities to do so.
Louisiana v. Callais
(the voting rights case)
→ White voters sued over Louisiana’s new congressional map, which created a second majority-Black district in a state that is 30% Black. The new districts provide a fairer voting map within the state.
United States v. Skrmetti
(the trans rights case)
→ Is Tennessee violating the Constitution and the freedoms of transgender youth and their families by banning puberty blockers and hormone therapies?
→ In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a devastating decision that greenlights discrimination and puts the health and safety of trans young people at risk.
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