The Voice News:The U.S. Supreme Court is entering the final stretch of a landmark term, with critical rulings expected on birthright citizenship, transgender health care, and religious rights in schools. The conservative-leaning court (6-3 majority) is under pressure to release decisions on over half the cases it heard since the term began in October.
This year’s session has been further complicated by a wave of emergency appeals related to President Donald Trump’s second term, including efforts to limit immigration, redefine birthright citizenship, and increase executive power. These cases will likely extend beyond the court’s summer recess.
Key Pending Cases:
- Birthright Citizenship
One of the most high-stakes cases involves Trump’s executive order seeking to limit birthright citizenship. Lower courts blocked the order, prompting the Justice Department to challenge their authority to issue nationwide injunctions. The case could redefine the limits of executive and judicial power and reshape the understanding of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
Justices from both conservative and liberal wings expressed concern about allowing the policy to take effect during May 15 arguments.
- Transgender Health Care for Minors
In U.S. v. Skrmetti, the court is reviewing Tennessee’s law that bans gender-affirming care for minors, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy (but not surgeries). Republican lawmakers argue such decisions should be made in adulthood. During December arguments, the court appeared to lean in favor of allowing states to regulate such care, aligning with broader GOP efforts to roll back transgender rights.
- Religious Objections to LGBTQ+ Books in Schools
Parents in Montgomery County, Maryland, sued a local school district for refusing to let them opt their children out of reading LGBTQ+-themed books, like Prince & Knight. They claim the readings violate their religious beliefs. The conservative-majority court, which has recently expanded religious protections, signaled support for the parents during April hearings.
- Preventive Health Care and Agency Power
The justices are reviewing challenges to Obamacare’s mandate that certain preventive health services be covered at no cost. The case questions the authority of the task force that recommends those services. The outcome could affect access to screenings and medications like PrEP and statins.
The court also heard arguments about the Universal Service Fund, which supports rural broadband and phone services. Conservatives claim it’s an unconstitutional tax. So far, the court seems likely to uphold the program’s structure.
- Trump-Era Emergency Appeals
Since Trump returned to office, the court has handled over a dozen emergency appeals, signaling a new norm of high-stakes legal battles even outside its regular calendar.
Wins for Trump so far include:
Temporarily banning transgender people from military service.
Ending temporary deportation protections for Venezuelans.
Removing members of independent agencies.
However, the court did block a rapid deportation policy under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.
With ongoing legal challenges in lower courts, the flow of emergency cases is unlikely to ease, even as justices prepare for summer recess.