The New Fight to Ratify Roe
The Center for Reproductive Rights, which serves as the legal counsel for Planned Parenthood, recently published an article titled She’s Still Standing, in which they claim that the new administration poses a threat to women’s reproductive rights. Their argument centers around Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion across the United States in 1973. They argue that if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned by the Supreme Court, it would have significant consequences, particularly in states like Louisiana where state law heavily restricts abortions and doctors who perform them are subjected to criminal penalties.
Republicans want to end it
President Trump told his advisers that he plans to appoint a Supreme Court justice who will vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to two people familiar with his discussions. He has told at least one individual that he wants to name pro-life justices and judges, and there is every reason to believe he will do so when he gets another opportunity on the court. If that happens, Roe v. Wade would be officially dead—and so would America’s legal guarantee of abortion rights.
Republicans are fighting in state houses
Lawmakers in more than a dozen states have passed abortion restrictions in 2018, and 20-week abortion bans are already law in 17 states. But, despite state legislatures’ efforts, there is one significant hurdle still standing between Trump and his anti-abortion policy agenda: The Supreme Court. Of course, Trump has made two nominees—Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh—to fill vacancies on that court since he took office.
This isn’t a new fight, though
Liberal groups have quietly been pushing for a Senate ratification vote since January. After decades of inaction, it’s time for Democrats in Congress to make their pro-choice values meaningful and bring women’s rights into the 21st century, Ilyse Hogue, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said in a statement at that time.
But why hasn’t it happened yet?
There’s little doubt among supporters of abortion rights that, given a majority and a Democratic president, they would codify access. But liberal frustration with Republicans’ control of both chambers of Congress means that, for now, Democrats have limited ability to push for major legislative action. As long as that’s true, activists say, it will be harder to make bolder changes.
We need action. Now.
Codifying Roe v. Wade into law will provide certainty for women, health care providers and reproductive rights advocates—and it’s not enough. If there is any solace in Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, it’s that no one can credibly claim ignorance of his judicial philosophy now. A Supreme Court filled with Kavanaugh-like justices would mean a virtual death sentence for reproductive rights in America—not just abortion rights, but access to contraception and sexual education as well.
What happens next?
For decades, conservatives and Republicans have promised voters that they would appoint judges who would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade . In a speech last month, President Trump reiterated his commitment to filling federal court vacancies with judges who will interpret the Constitution as written. But while a conservative majority on the Supreme Court may allow pro-life activists to achieve their goal of overturning Roe, there is little chance that Congress will codify it into law in order make it permanent.
What you can do right now.
Call your elected officials today and let them know you do not support codifying a woman’s right to choose under federal law. Your personal stance is no longer simply a matter of personal conscience—it has become a matter of public policy, and as citizens it is important that we be vocal about these issues. Before you call, read up on what is happening on both sides of this debate—and make sure your elected officials hear from you!
How we get our country back on track.
Americans are fed up with our gridlocked government. Republicans and Democrats alike have been voted into office in order to get something done—but they’ve continued using partisan rhetoric instead of bipartisan work. This election will be a turning point for Washington; if Democrats fail, we’ll continue to see politics as usual. Our country deserves better than that. We deserve representatives who work together and who, regardless of party, are willing to compromise for our good of our nation.
Resources for you.
In a reminder of just how fractious abortion politics remain in America, some House Democrats will introduce legislation on Wednesday that would permanently establish Supreme Court protections for abortion rights. But even proponents acknowledge they will have trouble mustering enough votes to pass their bill through Congress. Read more