MAJORITY WHIP CLYBURN STATEMENT ON THE SUPREME COURT OVERTURNING ABORTION RIGHTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the following statement following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade: 

"Today’s Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling further establishes the right-wing Republican justices’ radical disregard for individual rights and settled precedent.  Politicians have been given veto power over women’s reproductive rights.  As a result, 36 million women, who reside in the 26 states who have already passed restrictive laws or are poised to, will be prohibited from having an abortion or they will be forced to travel hundreds of miles at great expense to receive safe, medically appropriate care, likely resulting in increased complications and worsened health outcomes.  And, Mitch McConnell has stated that a nationwide ban is 'possible' if Republicans gain control of Congress and the presidency.  The criminalization of this long-held fundamental right imposes another layer of institutionalized discrimination on women, especially those with low incomes and women of color.

"House Democrats will continue our efforts to keep the government out of medical decisions made by women and their doctors, like our recent House passage of the Women's Health Protection Act.  We must also be prepared to defend other established rights—including rights to contraception, interracial marriage, marriage equality, and intimate acts between consenting adults.  Under this Supreme Court, no right can be taken for granted.

"Today’s egregious decision reinforces the saying that 'the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.' A majority of Americans disagree with the Court’s position, and the power they possess will be demonstrated at the ballot box this November." 

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