U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-10) says that it’s “gravely disappointing” that the U.S. Senate was able to codify Roe vs. Wade earlier today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Today, the Senate failed to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act that would codify Roe vs. Wade into law despite the overwhelming support that a woman’s right to choose has across the country, and the devastating impact that overturning Roe v. Wade would have for so many Americans,” Payne said in a statement.
“The draft Supreme Court opinion is a disgusting and archaic attempt to control women’s bodily autonomy, and their right to make decisions about their own healthcare. Congress has the ability to codify Roe and protect abortion rights, and yet today the Senate failed to meet the urgency of this moment. While this is gravely disappointing, we must not stop fighting to protect abortion rights.”
Payne continued that now more than ever is the time for electing “bold, pro-choice Democrats.”
The Senate vote was 49-51, with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) voting with Republicans to defeat the bill. Every other Democrat voted yes.
Earlier this month, Politico first reported on a leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft decision that indicated they would overturn Roe vs. Wade and 26 states have since moved forward with legislation limiting or banning abortions.
In New Jersey, the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act, signed in January, codifies the constitutional right to freedom of reproductive choice.
Additionally, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed legislation today to bolster access to boost access to reproductive health care, including codifying the expansion of potential abortion providers and mandating that insurance covers abortion with no out-of-pocket costs.
“I proudly voted YES on advancing the Women’s Health Protection Act & codifying women’s freedom to choose,” tweeted U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ).
“While I’m disappointed that my colleagues across the aisle are so committed to ripping away rights and taking us backwards, today’s vote put their hypocrisy on full display.”
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