Politico published a draft majority opinion that indicated the Supreme Court intends to overturn Roe v. Wade. Yesterday, the court confirmed the draft was “authentic.” Chief Justice John Roberts was furious over the leak and called it an “egregious breach” of the court’s trust. Furthermore, the court stressed that the draft did not represent the final opinion of the full court.
President Joe Biden immediately released a statement after the leaked draft. “A woman’s right to choose is fundamental” and that his administration “will be ready when any ruling is issued,” he said. At the same time, lawmakers from both sides were quick to applaud or denounce the decision. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama also denounced the draft Supreme Court opinion.
Last year Texas passed a restrictive law that bans abortions around six weeks. And yesterday, Oklahoma’s governor signed a Texas-style ban into law. This new law relies on lawsuits filed by private citizens. Some state legislatures have enacted policies to increase abortion access, including California. California passed a law to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion services covered by health plans. Unfortunately, many Republican-led state legislatures have already moved to limit abortion access. The Guttmacher Institute found that 23 states have laws limiting abortion access. Legislators in 13 states passed “trigger laws,” which are bans designed to go into effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
Protestors Fighting to Uphold Roe v. Wade
In 1973, the 1973 Roe v. Wade court decision affirmed the right to receive an abortion under the 14th Amendment, ruling that abortions were constitutionally protected until about 23 weeks when a fetus could live outside the womb. Sadly, if it is overturned, people will lose access to abortion.
Currently, protests are happening outside the Supreme Court and across the country. Protestors want legal protections for abortions. Demonstrations were held in New York City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Phoenix, and other major cities. “Every human being deserves the right to make decisions for their own body and health,” Victoria Davis told NBC New York. In Los Angeles, over 200 people gathered outside a federal courthouse and marched. According to the police, a group took to the intersection and threw rocks and bottles when asked to disperse. However, there weren’t any immediate arrests.
