Ruth Bader Ginsburg Undergoes Heart Surgery

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent heart surgery on Wednesday. The 81-year-old justice is said to be “resting comfortably” and will likely be released within the next 48 hours, according to a Supreme Court release.

Ginsburg had a stent — a small mesh tube that supports narrow or weak arteries — implanted in her right coronary artery. She reportedly felt discomfort during exercise on Tuesday and was taken to MedStar Washington Hospital Center where a blockage was discovered.

This is the latest health issue for Ginsburg, who was treated for cancer in 1999 and 2009. The justice has been called on to retire by many on the left who want her to give up her seat so President Obama can appoint a left-leaning successor, though with the Senate soon in Republican hands many think it’s likely too late.

At any rate, Ginsburg isn’t planning on going anywhere soon. In an interview with Elle in September, Ginsburg quashed rumors that she had plans to step down.

“As long as I can do the job full steam…. I think I’ll recognize when the time comes that I can’t any longer. But now I can,” Ginsburg said.