U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has responded to the potential overturn by the Supreme Court of the landmark ruling Roe v. Wade.
While speaking at a press conference, Garland was questioned about the leaked ruling. Garland said that the justice department has been committed to defending the right to abortions.
Garland said that if the Supreme Court does overturn Roe v. Wade, the justice department will address appropriate steps at that time. But that what would not change is the department’s commitment to defending the rights of women and of all Americans.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also criticized the leaked draft. She called it an “assault on women,” and said it showed a lack of respect for women and their own judgment.
Pelosi also claimed that the draft commits violence not only against women but against the U.S. Constitution.
Pelosi said that if the report is accurate, the highest court of the land is poised to inflict the greatest restrictions on rights in the past 50 years. The House Speaker also said that several of the conservative justices have lied in the Senate, ripped up the constitution, and defiled the precedent and reputation of the court.
If the ruling moves forward and is confirmed, it will make abortion rights a state decision. As many as 26 Republican states are poised to end or restrict access.
Congress could codify the rights in Roe v. Wade into law, but that would require scrapping the filibuster.
Outrage has been fierce against the leaked draft, both within the U.S. and internationally. Global leaders have condemned the draft, saying it will roll back rights in the U.S. an unprecedented amount.
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