In places where the Supreme Court’s abortion decision is having an impact, US President Joe Biden vowed to “do all in my power” to safeguard a woman’s right. He referred to the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion as a “sad day for the court and for the country” and said it was “taken” immediately.
Former US President Barack Obama denounced the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the right to an abortion, calling it an assault on fundamental liberties.
He tweeted that the Supreme Court had attacked the fundamental liberties of millions of Americans by overturning over 50 years of precedent and subjecting the most intensely personal choice someone can make to the whims of politicians and ideologues.
The decision drew criticism from other countries as well. Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, described the news coming out of the US as “horrific.”
“My heart breaks for the millions of American women who are about to lose the ability to obtain an abortion under the law. The dread and rage you are experiencing right now are beyond my comprehension, wrote Trudeau on Twitter.
“No male, politician, or authority figure has the right to dictate to a woman what she can and cannot do with her body. I want Canadian women to know that we will always defend your right to make your own decisions,” he continued.
Here are a few responses to the US Supreme Court decision.
Michelle Obama, a former first lady
“I am devastated that we may now be destined to revisit the difficult lessons of a period before Roe was made law — a period in which women risked losing their lives seeking illegal abortions.
The leading US provider of abortions is Planned Parenthood.
“We are aware that you might be experiencing a range of emotions right now, including hurt, rage, and uncertainty. Your feelings are valid. We stand by your side and will never give up on you.
US-based Amnesty International
Abortion is a human right, says. for all people. Everywhere. We won’t ever give up the fight.
President of Naral Pro-Choice America, Mini Timmaraju
“The effects will be terrible on the real lives of real people… Although we are saddened by the loss of the constitutional right to an abortion and the implications for everyone who needs access to healthcare, this fight is far from done.
“The vast majority of individuals in the United States support reproductive freedom. When they cast their votes in November, you can be sure that they will recall whose politicians abandoned them during this crucial time.
Mike Pence, a former Republican vice president
“A new front in the battle for life has opened up now that Roe v. Wade has been condemned to history’s trash heap, and it is incumbent upon those who value the sanctity of life to resolve that we will take the defence of the unborn.”
