Perhaps no issue has polarized our country throughout the past decades as much as a woman's right to perform an abortion.
Ever since the Roe v. Wade decision was handed down on January 22, 1973, conservatives and religious activists have been strategizing on how to have the decision reversed, and liberals and pro-choice advocates have been fighting to protect it. Considering, however, that it has been more than 30 years since the ruling was decided, perhaps it is time to accept the decision as precedent and move on to subjects more relevant to the times.
The issue of doctor-assisted suicide is currently on the dockets and is providing a glimpse into the future of Chief Justice John Roberts' court. At stake in this issue is more than simply an individual's right to die in New Jersey, but whether the current court will be more in favor of the states or federal governments' rights to govern the decision.
Expect to see other relevant issues in the years to come. Will the Fed's usurp the numerous states that have allowed the use of medicinal marijuana? What limitations may be placed upon the United States' right to torture prisoners? What, if any, rights do those whom we capture and suspect of terrorism involvement have?
All of these issues have a fundamental impact on the lives we as Americans live every day. While the issue of abortion certainly impassions those on both sides, it could well be considered a dead topic.
