filibuster-proof majority, albeit only for about 14 weeks, and the first time since 1975-1979 when they held 61 seats.

In 2010, the Democratic caucus in the Senate stood at 59 until Al Franken was sworn in on July 7. After that it was technically up to 60, but Ted Kennedy hadn’t cast a vote in months and was housebound due to illness. He died a few weeks later and was replaced by Paul Kirk on September 24, finally bringing the Democratic majority up to 60 in practice as well as theory. After that the Senate was in session for 11 weeks before taking its winter recess, followed by three weeks until Republican Scott Brown, who won Kennedy’s seat in the Massachusetts special election, was sworn in.

Of course, the vast majority of the electorate (Democrats and Republicans) already agrees with the way abortion rights are now, and has for many, many years, but stare decisis just doesn't mean what it used to, not once one side manages to stack the court, the majority can exercise its mandate, and judicial activism can rule the day, not because of public opinion, but despite it.