Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer.

Every weekday we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

The scientists and engineers behind the spectacular successes of America's early space program

have often gone overlooked. We reflect on the life and work of Catherine Johnson, who

faced more challenges than most. And every year the economist compiles its glass ceiling

index, putting some numbers to the challenges that women face in the workplace. Ranked

on pay, education, childcare, representation in the sea suite, which countries fare

best and worst. First up though. America's 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe vs. Wade

that women should be allowed access to legal abortions didn't end controversy about

that right. If anything it fan flames that still burn today. Angry protests, fierce

political arguments, court cases designed to test the ruling's limits and politicians

who hint at ruling the decision back. Every human being is entitled to loss.

Schizophrenic paradox Roe vs. Wade has subjected this country to for now more than 40 years.

A newborn children have never had a stronger defender in the White House.

A new case before the Supreme Court may yield that kind of opportunity. This week justices

heard arguments about a Louisiana law that could end up closing two of the state's three

abortion clinics. In the courtroom today it's clear that the stakes in this case are both

the rights of women and the rule of law.

The law requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges, the ability

to transfer patients to a nearby hospital. The stated aim is to ensure continuous treatment

for women who develop complications. These doctors and these clinics have no idea what

their complication rates are. In practice the law would make it more difficult for clinics

...