Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hospitalized With Fractured Ribs

By Rebecca Rubin

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized after she fell in her office and fractured three ribs, the court said Thursday.

The 85-year-old went home after falling, but was taken to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort during the night. Tests showed she fractured three ribs on her left side and she was admitted for observation and treatment, according to a statement from the court.

Ginsburg’s heath has been the subject of public concern for years as the court’s oldest justice has been a prominent progressive voice on the bench. She’s faced health concerns in the past, including another bout with fractured ribs in 2012. She had two prior battles with cancer and had a stent placed to open a blocked artery in 2014.

She was appointed to the court by former president Bill Clinton in 1993. If Ginsburg steps down during the Trump administration, the president will choose a appointee. Donald Trump has already appointed Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh during his term, further tilting the court right.

Liberal figures expressed concern for Ginsburg on social media, sending well wishes her way. Former Obama aide Valerie Jarrett wrote, “Wishing Justice a speedy recovery. She is a true force of nature, an extraordinary human being and we need her on the Supreme Court more than ever.”

Actor George Takei said, “Please take care of yourself, Justice Ginsberg. You are our guardian angel. A nation sends its collective wishes for your health and full recovery.”

Actress Leslie Grossman offered to donate her ribs to protect the supreme court justice. “If Ruth Bader Ginsburg needs any of my bones or internal organs I don’t need mine,” she joked.