U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumors in her lung, according to published reports.
Ginsberg, 85, was hospitalized in November after breaking 3 ribs during a fall in her office at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
The Supreme Court issued a statement on Friday morning, saying Ginsberg underwent surgery to remove cancerous lung tumors and there was no evidence of cancer anywhere else in her body.
Ginsburg fractured three ribs on her left side in November. She was admitted to a hospital for observation, but the Supreme Court delayed issuing a statement until a week after she was discharged home.
Ginsberg also broke 2 ribs during a fall in June 2012. She is the oldest justice on the Supreme Court and the second of four women to serve on the nation’s highest court.
Ginsberg was heavily criticized by members of Congress and the public for not retiring while former President Barack Obama was still in office so he could pick her successor.
So far, President Trump has chosen Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace retired Justice Anthony Kennedy. If Ginsberg is forced to retire for medical reasons, Trump will have the opportunity to appoint another conservative justice to the Supreme Court.
Ginsberg’s ongoing health issues are a major concern for her supporters who fear that President Trump has already chosen her replacement.
Worried Ginsburg supporters took to social media in November to offer their ribs and other internal organs to keep her alive until Trump leaves office in 6 years.
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