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Ginsburg's health could condition the Supreme Court 3:06
(CNN) - Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg underwent nonsurgical treatment for a benign gallbladder condition Tuesday afternoon at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a court spokeswoman said in a statement.
After the first day of oral court discussions by phone on Monday morning, Ginsburg underwent outpatient tests at a Washington hospital. Those tests, according to the statement, "confirmed that he suffered from a gallstone that had migrated to his cystic duct, blocking it and causing an infection."
Ginsburg is currently "resting comfortably" and will participate in Wednesday's oral arguments by phone from the hospital. She hopes to stay in the hospital for a "day or two."
Ginsburg, 87, has had four episodes of cancer.
Judges are hearing oral arguments over the phone due to covid-19, and are scheduled to hear a case on Wednesday related to the so-called contraceptive mandate of the Affordable Care Act.
Ginsburg has a long history of medical problems.
He missed the oral arguments for the first time in January 2019, while recovering from surgery after two cancerous nodules were removed from his left lung the previous month. At that time, he participated in the cases by reading transcripts. The liberal judge had already received treatment in November 2018 for three ribs that fractured during a fall in her office. And in August 2019, she was treated for pancreatic cancer.
As a result, his health has come under increased scrutiny as the court faces far-reaching cases that can transform American law. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has made two appointments, Neil Gorsuch in 2017 and Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, deepening the conservative tilt.
But even in the face of health complications, Ginsburg has remained an active participant in the higher court, including during Tuesday's oral arguments, which were broadcast live on CNN.
And last month, despite the Supreme Court being closed to the public due to the pandemic, Ginsburg was exercising there. At the time, Kathy Arberg, the court's spokeswoman, said the judge had her own place to exercise.
“At Judge Ginsburg's request, the Court has reserved the limited private space next to her health center for Judge Ginsburg to exercise. Her doctors share her opinion that training sessions are essential to her well-being, ”Arberg told CNN.
"The space is being used exclusively by the judge," added Arberg. "No other judge is using the space, and the employee gym is closed to all users."
The iconic liberal is best known for her views on civil rights issues, including the landmark case that the Virginia Military Institute opens to women.
His views in recent years have continued to energize Democrats at a time when Republicans control the White House and Senate, and the Supreme Court is moving to the right.
In 2013, Ginsburg received the title “Notorious RBG,” a play about the late rapper Notorious BIG, in response to an opinion he wrote when the majority of the court issued a landmark decision revoking voting rights protections.
She said last year that she "will stay on the job" as long as she can "go full steam."
“I was fine this last period. I hope to be well next period, ”said Ginsburg. "And after that we'll just have to see."
Ruth Bader Ginsburg