WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 2022 – Today the Senate voted on but failed to advance the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), which would expand abortion access nationwide. Given the Supreme Court’s conservative majority’s intent to overturn Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, this legislation is vital to ensure people’s constitutional right to an abortion remains protected. The bill’s failure is all the more concerning because Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has already said that Republicans will look to pass a nationwide abortion ban if they regain power.
Alliance for Justice President Rakim H.D. Brooks issued the following statement:
“This should be absolutely clear: The Constitution protects the right of pregnant persons to choose to end their pregnancies or carry to term — Roe merely recognized that right. Nothing Justice Alito or the Trump Court declares will change that reality. What will change if Roe and Casey are struck down is our commitment to that fundamental constitutional value. It will be a shameful day for our nation, much like Plessy once was. The constitutional right to abortion is necessary to preserve our civil rights, our health care, and our economy. It is necessary to demonstrate equal respect and regard for all pregnant persons.
“But we don’t have to wait 50 years to undo the Trump Court’s malice. The Women’s Health Protection Act is an important reminder that the Supreme Court does not always have the last word. Congress can and must act to preserve the rights of all people in all parts of the country to make decisions about their pregnancies, families, and lives.
“It’s time to ensure access to abortion for everybody everywhere.”