The Senate’s Message on Abortion: We Won’t Do Anything to Save It

Abortion rights need congressional protection. The Senate just told those in fear of forced births to fend for themselves.

Photo by Chad Stembridge on Unsplash

Chuck Schumer made clear that with Wednesday’s vote on The Women’s Health Protection Act, which would create federal protections for providing and accessing abortion services, he wanted to send a message.

“Tens of millions of women are watching what will happen to the rights they’ve relied on for decades, and all of us will have to answer for this vote for the rest of our time in public office,” the Senate Majority leader said ahead of the vote.

“Before the day is over, every member of this body will make a choice: stand with women to protect their freedoms, or stand with MAGA Republicans and take our country into a dark and repressive future,” he added.

After a leaked draft opinion showing that a majority of Supreme Court justices voted to overturn Roe was published in February, some looked to Congress to codify Roe v. Wade and guarantee abortion protection for women nationwide.

Unfortunately, while the House of Representatives successfully passed the bill, the vote in the Senate failed in spite of Schumer’s warning, 51–49. Worse…