It's thought the US Supreme Court may be preparing to overturn the nationwide legal right to abortion.
Politico says it's seen a leaked document which shows a majority of five justices have decided to overrule a landmark case.
The leaked draft document suggests the US Supreme Court could overturn the legislation which has been in place since 1973.
Overruling the 'Roe versus Wade' case could result in half of all states banning the practice.
That case ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant woman's liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction.
It's unclear if the leaked document represents the court's final word.
In response to the news, Hillary Clinton's called a potential decision to remove the legal right to abortion in America an "utter disgrace".
Joseph Cosgrove is a retired judge from Pennsylvania.
He says; "this is till monumental, the fact that this is out there, how it got out there, who leaked it and what it really says about the state of reproductive rights and abortion law in the country, it's really extraordinary."
At home, Irish pro-life campaigners are hopeful a possible change in abortion laws in the States could affect legislation here.
Spokesperson for the Pro-Life Campaign Eilis Mulroy says Irish policy makers should take note of what's happening in America.
"I think it's really important that after 50 years of abortion in the US, it's only right that we should listen with interest to the many people who have changed their minds over the years and joined the pro life movement.
"In terms of our 3 year review of the abortion law, Ireland should not have to wait as long to acknowledge the tragedy of abortion."
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
