Outrage as Biden calls on Congress to restore protections of Roe v Wade after Senate GOP blocks contraception bill

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden urged Congress to restore protections to Roe v Wade by codifying it into federal law after the Republican Senators thwarted the contraceptive bill aimed at creating a federal right to birth control, The Hill reported.

On Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the Senate GOP blocked the "The Right to Contraception Act" legislation Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts brought in a 51-39 vote.

The bill was aimed at pushing the Democrats' focus on reproductive rights ahead of the general election in November.

Joe Biden calls on Congress to restore Roe v Wade

Following the upper chamber Republicans' blockage of the contraception bill, Biden took to X reiterating his stance on reproductive rights.

"@VP and I believe that women in every state must have the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions," the president wrote, mentioning Vice President Kamala Harris, a prominent advocate of abortion rights," the President wrote.

"We'll continue to fight to protect access to reproductive health care and we urge Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law," he added.

The Right to Contraception Act was aimed to legalize an individual's right to get and use contraception and the freedom for health care providers to deliver the same.

The bill included hormonal birth control pills, the 'morning after' pill, intrauterine devices (IUDs), along with other options.

Besides, if passed, the legislation would have banned the federal government and states from enacting laws to prohibit the sale and use of contraception.

The US Supreme Court revoking Roe v Wade in 2022 led to widespread protests among pro-choice supporters, but the conservatives welcomed the move that granted the right to enforce abortion laws to individual states. Nearly half of US states completely banned or severely restricted abortion access since then.

The three conservative justices appointed by Donald Trump during his presidential tenure upended the landmark decision passed in 1973.

Amid the Democrats' warning of more suppression of reproductive rights if the 45th president wins the election in November, Trump in April refused to endorse a nationwide abortion ban if elected, leaving the decision to states.

Abortion and the threat to reproductive rights have taken center stage as Biden and Trump are actively campaigning for a rematch in November.

For instance, a March poll by health research group KFF found that one in five viewed access to contraception as being under threat, considering the 2024 election crucial for the future of abortion and contraception access.

Internet divided as Biden urges Congress to restore Roe v Wade

Netizens debated over Joe Biden's call for Congress to codify laws to protect Roe v Wade.

One social media user wrote, "A disgraceful pursuit No government should be involved in what health care one needs!"

Another remarked, "This is feckless, effete posturing: Biden, every person in his administration, and every person in Congress knows that the Republican-controlled House would never, ever do this. Not a single undecided voter will ever hear this statement, nor change their mind because of it."

"Absolutely, it's crucial that women have the autonomy to make personal health decisions," added one individual user, while another response read, "Roe is a States Right issue. It is NOT a Federal Rights issue. Leave it alone."

One person said, "This is who Republicans are and think women’s bodies belong to them to dictate what they can do with their own body. Don’t take our word for, taker theirs."

One person wrote, "True freedom isn’t a singular ruling from the federal government. Let the citizens decide what is best for them and STAY OUT OF IT!"

"I couldn't agree more, @VP! It's essential that women have control over their own bodies and lives. The thought of politicians dictating what's best for them is terrifying. We need to protect reproductive rights and ensure that every woman has access to the healthcare they deserve," another added.

One individual wrote, "He can't. He had the chance before it was sent to the States. Now you need 37 states to agree to an amendment to it to make it a federal law. Joe and Nancy had their chance and didn't take it."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.