No, the leak isn’t as serious as the decision to force American women to give birth against their will. It’s not even as serious as the naked vehemence and maliciousness of Alito’s language. Still, this leak had a very serious purpose.
The leak waters down the impact of the official release of the decision (a la Barr and the Mueller Report). When it’s finally official, it will be old news. Also, the “premature release” of the decision throws into disarray any planning for protests and legal/legislative opposition to the overturning of Roe. Those opposed thought they had until June to organize. Now, they’re scrambling. And for extra measure, the heads up that Roe will be killed (with extreme prejudice) is useful for all those pushing forced birth bills in Republican-led states.
Despite the ravings of the right on social media,I can’t think, as per Digby, of any good reasons why this would have been leaked by someone interested in affirming Roe. Everyone knew it was coming and many could have guessed it would be written as belligerently as possible. It serves no purpose for those in opposition to the overturn and would surely lead to a firing.
I think it was most likely leaked with the full knowledge of at least one of those in the majority. This stunt has all the hallmarks of far right political activism.