Abortion in the Spotlight
SCOTUS Draft Reactions. Last week, a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion outlined the potential reversal of Roe v. Wade, sending shockwaves throughout the nation (see Civil’s coverage here). Many on the Right celebrated the potential decision — although they expressed serious concern about how it came to light — while those on the Left reacted with horror and anger. If the Court overturns Roe v. Wade, it will send the issue back to state legislatures.
Federal Abortion Law Unlikely. Congressional Democratic leaders have vowed to vote on codifying abortion protections into federal law; however, reaching the 60-vote filibuster threshold appears nearly impossible, and Democrats already failed to scrap the rule earlier this year. Additionally, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined Republicans to tank a similar effort in February, casting doubts over whether Democrats would even have the votes to pass an abortion bill with a simple majority. While Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) — the chamber’s two pro-choice Republicans — also introduced legislation to enshrine abortion protections in federal law, it faces most of the same challenges as the Democratic proposal.
A State-by-State Battle
States’ Contradictory Actions. Given the reality of congressional gridlock, the abortion battle will almost certainly rage on outside of Washington, D.C. in state capitals. Many Republican-controlled legislatures already have trigger laws that will automatically restrict abortion should the Court overturn Roe and are introducing more bills limiting it in the leaked draft’s aftermath. Democratic ones are doing the opposite, promising guaranteed access to abortion in their states and even expanding access in many cases.
California Reacts
A Constitutional Amendment? Late last Monday, California’s top Democrats announced they would ask voters to approve an amendment to the state’s constitution protecting abortion. In a joint statement, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom and the Democratic leaders of the state’s legislative chambers promised to “build a firewall around this right in our state constitution.” Amending California’s state constitution requires a supermajority of the state Senate and Assembly. While Democrats control enough seats, they will have to move quickly to put the measure on the ballot by November.
California Expanding Abortion Access. State lawmakers have also proposed 13 abortion-related bills to expand abortion access, ranging from blocking other states from accessing California medical records to authorizing more medical providers to perform abortions. California had already sought expansive measures before the leaked draft, such as in March, when Governor Newsom signed a bill eliminating out-of-pocket costs for abortions. Abortion providers are also bolstering capacity by hiring more doctors and building larger facilities, expecting a surge of out-of-state patients should the Court overturn Roe and Republican abortion bans take effect. Late last year, Newsom said the state should become a “sanctuary” for those women.
Louisiana Responds
Right to Life. Last Thursday, a Louisiana House committee approved the Abolition of Abortion in Louisiana Act which would ensure “the right to life and equal protection of the laws to all unborn children from the moment of fertilization by protecting them by the same laws protecting other human beings.” If passed, legal analysts say abortion providers and women seeking an abortion could face murder charges. The Louisiana bill also declares that any federal law, regulation, or court ruling that allows abortion is void, and any judge who blocks the enforcement of the bill’s provisions could be impeached. Louisiana is one of the 13 states with a trigger law that would immediately ban abortions if the Supreme Court overturns Roe.
Potential Intimidation
Arson. Early Sunday morning, the pro-life non-profit Wisconsin Family Action (WFA) was the victim of an arson attack. WFA President, Julaine Applin, told reporters that someone tossed a Molotov cocktail into her office around 6 a.m., and she was unaware of who was behind the attack. Both local Democrats and Republicans denounced the Wisconsin fire and spray-paint vandalism.
Protest. About 100 demonstrators hoisting signs and chanting pro-choice slogans marched from Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s house in Maryland to Chief Justice John Roberts’ home. After returning to Kavanaugh’s home, police instructed the protestors to disperse.
