DeKALB | The Supreme Court recently upheld a Bush administration ban on “partial birth” abortions, causing much controversy and speculation on the future of abortion rights.

Late term abortions are sometimes necessary if the health of the mother is in jeopardy, said Joseph Baumgart, an obstetrician and gynecologist with Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban may conflict with the doctor’s duties.

“How are we supposed to deal with the problem if we’re restricted on how to deal with it?” Baumgart said. “I have no idea how we’re supposed to handle the situation if the Supreme Court is saying ‘Do it this way, not that way.'”

The court decision is the first to not recognize the health of the mother during the birth.

“This is the first time that the health of the mother has not been a central factor,” said Robin Moremen, director of undergraduate studies for sociology at NIU. “It’s always been a concern in the past.”

In light of the decision, Baumgart does not feel a Roe v. Wade reversal is an immediate threat.

“I think it’s a long way from that,” Baumgart said.

Moremen agreed.

“It’s not likely with this particular court constituency that they’ll actually reverse Roe v. Wade,” Moremen said. “However, it is another chip at the margins of Roe v. Wade.”

A reversal is unlikely as many Americans are pro-choice.

“The majority of the country is still in favor of the law of the land,” Moremen said.