Divine intervention or a “tragic error” endangering the health of millions of women: Reactions to Friday’s decision by the US Supreme Court to overturn constitutional protections on abortion highlighted the country’s deep divisions.
Here are some key quotes.
– Praise –
Former Republican President Donald Trump:
“God made the decision.”
“I think in the end that’s something that’s going to work for everyone.”
“It brings everything back to the States where it always belonged.”
Former Republican Vice President Mike Pence:
“Now that Roe v. Wade was sent to the ashes of history, a new arena in the cause of life has emerged, and it behooves all who value the sanctity of life to resolve that we shall take up the defense of the unborn.”
Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of the anti-abortion organization Susan B. Anthony List:
“After 50 years of lobbying, building Centers of Hope to minister to pregnant women, praying on our knees, marching off our knees and ensuring the powerful pro-life voice can be heard in our elections, we are arrived that day. A culmination of so many and the first day of a bright pro-life future for our nation.”
– criticism –
Democratic President Joe Biden:
“It is a sad day for the court and for the country.”
“The court did what it has never done before, specifically taking away a constitutional right that is so fundamental to so many Americans.”
“It is, in my opinion, the realization of an extreme ideology and a tragic mistake by the Supreme Court.”
Former Democratic President Barack Obama:
“Today the Supreme Court has not only reversed nearly 50 years of precedent, it has left the most personal decision anyone can make to the whims of politicians and ideologues — it is attacking the fundamental freedoms of millions of Americans.”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama:
“I am heartbroken that we are now destined to learn the painful lessons of a time before Roe became the law of the country — a time when women risked losing their lives by having illegal abortions.”
Planned Parenthood, the leading abortion provider in the United States:
“We know you’re feeling a lot of things right now – hurt, angry, confused. Whatever you feel is fine. We are here with you – and we will never stop fighting for you.”
Amnesty International USA:
“Abortion is a human right. For everyone. Everywhere. We will never stop fighting.”
– International resonance –
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:
“The news from the United States is appalling. My heart goes out to the millions of American women who will now lose their legal right to abortion. I can’t imagine the fear and anger you are feeling right now. “
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson:
“I think it’s a big step backwards. I’ve always believed in a woman’s right to choose and I stand by that belief and that’s why Britain has the laws it has.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet:
“It’s a huge blow to women’s human rights and gender equality.”
“More than 50 countries with previously restrictive laws have liberalized their abortion laws in the past 25 years.
“With today’s ruling, the US regrettably moves away from this progressive trend.”
French President Emmanuel Macron:
“They need to be protected. I express my solidarity with women whose freedoms are being challenged today by the Supreme Court of the United States of America.”
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