Not only do they want to keep it out of the headlines, but they also want to see how the election turns out. If the Dems gain seats, especially in the Senate, the SC will figure they don't have to deal with this anymore and they will vote to allow this procedure. They would know a conservative justice isn't coming their way any time soon and so they can legalize this in good conscience.
ProLife candidates should point this out.
If "wait and see" is not the case then the SCOTUS scheduling clerks are doing their part in managing national headlines before an election.