President Joe Biden has warned that a leaked draft supreme court ruling that threatens abortion rights in the US would represent a huge change in the law and could imperil a wide range of other civil rights.
In a historic moment that shook the US to the core and highlighted deep social and political divisions, the draft ruling overturned Roe v Wade, the 1973 case that guaranteed the right to abortion.
The court confirmed the draft was authentic but said it did not "represent a decision by the court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case".
Biden said the ruling, if handed down, would representa "fundamental shift in American jurisprudence” and could imperil rights including same-sex marriage and access to contraception.
Politico published the draft by justice Samuel Alito on Monday night. The website said the draft was supported by four other rightwingers on a panel conservatives control 6-3.
The chief justice, John Roberts, yesterday called the leak a “betrayal of the confidences of the court" and promised an investigation.
Speaking to reporters, Biden said the draft ruling had ramifications for "all the decisions you make in your private life, who you marry, whether or not you decide to conceive a child, whether or not you can have an abortion and a range of other decisions [including]how you raise your child”.
The draft ruling would allow states to declare abortion illegal.
Biden asked: “Does this mean that in Florida they can decide to pass a law saying that same-sex marriage is not permissible, [that] it's against the law in Florida? It's a fundamental shift in American jurisprudence.”
Protesters gathered outside the court and planned demonstrations around the country-both in support of and against abortion rights.
This story is from the May 04, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 04, 2022 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Archer could consider future if stop-start’ pattern persists
Jofra Archer has hinted another year of persistent injury setbacks could lead him to question his future as the fast bowler looks to stage his latest comeback for England in time for this summer's T20 World Cup defence.
Appleby's pick pipped on the line but future remains rosy
He had just seen his filly Dance Sequence, the third-favourite for the 1,000 Guineas, beaten in her Classic trial by the 18-1 outsider Pretty Crystal, but Charlie Appleby was still in a positive frame of mind after the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket yesterday, about Dance Sequence and life in general.
De Bruyne cancels out Rodrygo's opener as epic clash goes to wire
With 72 minutes on the clock, an increasingly fervent Manchester City support announced who they were and promised to fight until the end.
Brasher urges protesters to avoid disrupting 'force for good' event
Race director predicts record fundraising year and reveals tribute to Kelvin Kiptum
Winter wondering Surprise, big-name exit is a sign of football media's fractured evolution
For more than three decades, English football media was a Winter wonderland.
Everton on the brink Questions over club's future as urgent as ever
Everton fans are used to the club's owner, Farhad Moshiri, telling them that better times will be arriving soon. He began his reign in 2016 promising to give fans \"whatever I have\" - the type of soundbite he would continue to deliver during the following eight years.
IMF urges fiscal discipline as elections loom around world
The International Monetary Fund has issued a strong warning to Britain and other countries facing elections this year to avoid voter giveaways that might pose risks to their public finances.
Czech billionaire offered to buy owner of Royal Mail
The owner of Royal Mail received a £3bn takeover offer from a Czech billionaire who has stakes in Sainsbury's and West Ham United football club.
Aung San Suu Kyi has left prison for house arrest, claims junta
Myanmar's detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house arrest, according to the military junta.
Heir to Dutch throne spent year in Madrid over concern for her safety
The heir to the Dutch throne, Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange, spent over a year in Spain as the Dutch royal family grappled with threats to her safety, according to media in the Netherlands.