Justice Ginsburg at Washington Hospital Center

The Washington Post reports:

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was admitted to the Washington Hospital Center Thursday after falling ill at the Supreme Court. Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said Ginsburg fell ill after receiving an intravenous iron therapy. Arberg said Ginsburg felt better after being attended by a physician at the court, but was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Ginsburg's health has been a concern since the 76-year-old justice was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. In February, doctors removed her spleen and a tiny tumor on her pancreas. Ginsburg said the operation was a complete success, and that she was cancer-free. She underwent what she called a precautionary round of chemotherapy in the spring, but never missed a day of the court's public sessions.

She has kept up a rigorous schedule of speaking engagements and work on the court and has said she does not plan to leave the court for years.

A statement from the court follows:

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was taken to the Washington Hospital Center this evening after feeling ill in her Chambers earlier in the day. The Justice felt ill at 4:50 p.m., about an hour after an iron sucrose infusion to treat an iron deficiency anemia that was administered at the Office of the Attending Physician.

The Justice underwent a comprehensive assessment of health in July 2009. This involved medical evaluation, imaging scans, and comprehensive blood tests. The result of this evaluation was that she was in completely normal health with the exception of a low red blood cell count caused by deficiency of iron. Intravenous iron therapy was administered in a standard fashion.

One hour following the completion of this infusion, she felt faint, developed light headedness and fatigue. Medical assistance was summoned from the Office of the Attending Physician and medical evaluation disclosed a slightly low blood pressure which can occur following this treatment. She was monitored at the Court, blood tests were performed and she was found to be in stable health. Fluids were administered and her symptoms improved, but she was taken as a precaution for evaluation at the Washington Hospital Center at approximately 7:45 p.m.

I don't need to tell any progressive how important it is to have Justice Ginsburg on the bench. President Obama recently nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Court, and she was confirmed by the Senate. Justice Sotomayor is a solid moderate, but that's not what we need to counter Chief Justice Roberts, and Justices Scalia, Thomas and Alito. Justice Ginsburg is the only liberal on the Court.

Please join me in sending best wishes for a speedy recovery to Justice Ginsburg.