This happens after a draft was leaked from the country’s Supreme Court last week in which it was suggested that the court would overturn the ruling in the Roe vs. Wade of 1973, who has since given American women the right to free abortion.
Women’s rights are rooted in the Supreme Court
In the United States, the Supreme Court rules on matters of the Constitution. Each state has its own legislation, but it cannot violate the general constitution. When Jane Roe—whose real name is Norma McCorvey—wanted to have an abortion, the law wasn’t allowing her in Texas where she lives. She sued Texas — represented by Attorney General Henry Wade — because she believed the ban violated Section 14 of the Constitution on the right to privacy. She won, and since then women in the US can appeal that ruling in the Supreme Court if the state in which they live tries to ban abortion.
But the ruling has not been pursued in any legislation at the national or state level. And now Roe vs Wade may be invalidated. Then a woman’s right to an abortion was no longer protected by the Supreme Court – nor by anyone else. Then states are more free to formulate laws and prohibitions as they wish.
Senators will show what they think
Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic leader, said there will be a vote on a proposal to legalize abortion rights on Wednesday. This is important, because if the Supreme Court overturns the law, it must be rooted elsewhere.
It is almost unbelievable that the proposal would be adopted, as ten more Republican votes are needed.
From left: Senator Debbie Stabeno, Senator Chuck Schorner and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who all spoke during the debate in which the national abortion bill was proposed. Photo: Jacqueline Martin
However, all senators will have to make up their minds on one of the country’s most contentious topics, and Democrats hope the debate will excite voters before the midterm elections in November.
We will vote on Wednesday, and all Americans will see each senator’s position. They can no longer hide, Schumer said on Sunday.
A number of countries have introduced severe restrictions on abortion. Among other things, Texas banned abortions after the discovery of a fetal heartbeat. It is practically banned after the sixth week, at a time when many do not know that they are pregnant.
If the Supreme Court overturns Roe vs. Wade, 26 states have indicated they will restrict a woman’s right to abortion.
“Coffee trailblazer. Certified pop culture lover. Infuriatingly humble gamer.”
