How Did the Supreme Court Become So Out of Step With Mainstream America?

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Bethanne's story represents just one of the many questions now being raised by the supreme courts ruling. Just what constitutes abortion versus reproductive health care poles have consistently shown that a majority of americans support apportion rights. It isn't unusual for the supreme court to hand down rulingscon ay to the wishes of political majorities. But its counter majoritarianism has never been exercised with anything like this sheer muscle and let the chips fall where they may attitude. How did it happen? A lot of work and a lot of luck.

The Supreme Court ruling has convulsed the country; passing the question of abortion rights to the states will divide America yet further. We ask what it means for the court to go so plainly against public opinion, examine the woeful effects the changing scenario will have on women and speak to one woman whose life was saved by a now-threatened procedure. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer