The ICJ is the United Nations top court and was created after World War II to address disputes between nations and to give their opinions on international legal issues.
The most significant part of the ruling was added only weeks before the opinion was released in January 1973. It said states may not forbid abortions until " viability" , which occurred about the 28th week of a pregnancy.
So, I can say: " It looks as if Tom's going to cancel his party." And I can say that, rather than: " I think Tom's going to cancel his party." It's an indirect way of giving an opinion.