The United States Supreme Court announced Friday it overturned the landmark decision Roe v. Wade, effectively ending constitutional protections for abortion.
The ruling, which became law in 1973, was a landmark decision that protected a woman’s right to legal abortion in all areas of the U.S.
President Joe Biden told reporters Friday afternoon the decision by the Supreme Court goes against a woman’s right to choose.
“The health and life of women in this nation are now at risk,” he said.
“I believe Roe v. Wade was the correct decision as a matter of constitutional law and application of the fundamental right to privacy and liberty in matters of family and personal autonomy.”
Biden said Friday’s ruling will have real and immediate consequences, noting that state laws banning abortion are automatically taking effect today, which he said will jeopardize the health of millions of women.
He added it is a sad day for the country, but said it does not mean the “fight is over.”
“The only way we can secure a woman’s right to choose the balance that existed is for Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade as federal law. No executive action from the president can do that,” said Biden.
“Voters need to make their voices heard this fall [to] elect more senators and representatives who will codify woman’s right to choose using the federal law once again … until then, I will do all of my power to protect a woman’s right in states where they will face the consequences of today’s decision.”
Biden said he is directing the United States Department of Health and Human Services to take steps to ensure abortion-inducing medication and birth control remain available to the fullest extent possible.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to Twitter and called the news “horrific,” saying no government, politician or man should tell a woman what she can do with her body.
“My heart goes out to the millions of American women who are now set to lose their legal right to an abortion,” he said in a post on Twitter.
“I can’t imagine the fear and anger you are feeling right now. I want women in Canada to know that we will always stand up for your right to choose.”
The news coming out of the United States is horrific. My heart goes out to the millions of American women who are now set to lose their legal right to an abortion. I can’t imagine the fear and anger you are feeling right now.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 24, 2022
With files from Kevin Jeffrey, Skye Bryden-Blom and Aaron Sousa.
