Roe v. Wade Under Threat: President Biden Vows Action as Celebrities and Politicians Condemn Leaked Supreme Court Draft
The United States stands at a pivotal moment for reproductive rights, following the unprecedented leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion that indicates a majority vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. This development, which sent shockwaves across the nation, has prompted an immediate and resolute response from President Joe Biden, who affirmed his administration’s readiness for such a decision and urged Americans to elect pro-choice officials. As the potential repeal of nearly five decades of established constitutional protection for abortion rights looms, prominent figures from Hollywood to Washington D.C. have voiced their condemnation and rallied for action.
The Unprecedented Leak and Roe v. Wade’s Legacy
The bombshell draft document, obtained and reported by Politico on May 2, 2022, revealed a preliminary majority opinion of the Supreme Court to strike down Roe v. Wade. Written by Justice Samuel Alito and reportedly backed by four other Republican-appointed justices, the draft opinion ignited a fierce national debate, bringing the contentious issue of abortion rights to the forefront of American political and social discourse. The core of Roe v. Wade, a landmark 1973 decision, has for almost 50 years protected a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion, largely free from government interference, establishing a framework that balanced individual liberty with state interests.
Justice Alito’s draft opinion provocatively states that “Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division.” He further asserted, “The inescapable conclusion is that a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in the Nation’s history and traditions.” This argument suggests a judicial philosophy that prioritizes historical precedent over evolving interpretations of personal liberty, a stance that has profound implications for a wide array of civil rights. The draft, reportedly penned in February, underscores the fragility of existing protections and the potential for a dramatic shift in federal law, granting individual states the authority to ban or severely restrict abortion access.
While the Chief Justice, John Roberts, had yet to cast his definitive vote at the time of the leak, the document’s contents signaled a clear intent by a majority of the court to dismantle the foundational ruling. The ramifications of such a decision would be immense, transforming the landscape of reproductive healthcare across the country, potentially leading to a patchwork of laws where abortion access varies drastically from state to state.
President Biden’s Stance and Call to Action
President Joe Biden swiftly released a statement on Tuesday, May 3, responding to the leaked draft. While acknowledging that the authenticity of the draft remained unconfirmed, he outlined his administration’s steadfast commitment to defending Roe v. Wade. “First, my administration argued strongly before the Court in defense of Roe v. Wade,” he wrote. “We said that Roe is based on ‘a long line of precedent recognizing ‘the Fourteenth Amendment’s concept of personal liberty’ … against government interference with intensely personal decisions.’ I believe that a woman’s right to choose is fundamental, Roe has been the law of the land for almost fifty years, and basic fairness and the stability of our law demand that it not be overturned.”
The President also drew parallels to the restrictive Texas abortion law passed in September, which imposed significant limitations on reproductive rights in the state. He assured the public that his administration was preparing for a similar outcome at the Supreme Court level. “We will be ready when any ruling is issued,” Biden stated, emphasizing a proactive approach to a potentially devastating decision.
Crucially, President Biden underscored the vital role of elected officials and voters in protecting abortion rights should Roe be overturned. He issued a direct call to action for Americans to elect pro-choice candidates in the upcoming fall midterms. “If the Court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nation’s elected officials at all levels of government to protect a woman’s right to choose. And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law,” he affirmed. This statement highlights the critical link between judicial decisions and the political power of legislative action and voter turnout.
My statement on the reported Supreme Court decision draft. pic.twitter.com/Kt3bP0kzqU
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 3, 2022
The Stakes: What Overturning Roe v. Wade Means
The potential overturning of Roe v. Wade represents a monumental shift in American law and society. For nearly half a century, Roe v. Wade has served as the bedrock for reproductive freedom, guaranteeing a federal floor of protection for abortion access. Its repeal would eliminate this federal protection, allowing individual states to regulate or completely ban abortion. Experts predict that at least 26 states are poised to ban abortion immediately or swiftly implement severe restrictions, leading to significant disparities in healthcare access based on geography.
This fragmentation of reproductive rights would disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and women of color, who may lack the resources to travel to states where abortion remains legal. The decision would not only impact abortion access but could also set a precedent for challenging other established rights rooted in the concept of privacy and personal liberty, potentially affecting contraception access, same-sex marriage, and other fundamental freedoms. The debate transcends the immediate issue of abortion, touching upon the very nature of constitutional interpretation, individual autonomy, and the balance of power between federal and state governments.
Prominent Voices React: Celebrities and Politicians Speak Out
Following the leak, a wave of reactions from celebrities, activists, and political figures flooded social media, expressing outrage, fear, and calls for urgent action. The consensus among many was a deep concern for the future of women’s rights and a renewed emphasis on civic engagement.
Alyssa Milano
Renowned actress and activist Alyssa Milano, known for her vocal political engagement, was among the first public figures to react vehemently. Expressing her shock and dismay, she tweeted, “Oh my f*cking god!! Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows!!!!” accompanied by several red siren alert emojis. Milano’s immediate response reflected the widespread disbelief and alarm felt by many who have long championed reproductive autonomy.
Elizabeth Warren
U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Warren, took to Twitter to share her powerful opinion, characterizing the situation as an attack on core constitutional principles. She wrote, “An extremist Supreme Court is poised to overturn #RoeVWade and impose its far-right, unpopular views on the entire country. It’s time for the millions who support the Constitution and abortion rights to stand up and make their voices heard. We’re not going back—not ever.” Her message emphasized the perceived extremism of the court’s potential decision and rallied supporters to active resistance.
An extremist Supreme Court is poised to overturn #RoeVWade and impose its far-right, unpopular views on the entire country. It’s time for the millions who support the Constitution and abortion rights to stand up and make their voices heard. We’re not going back—not ever.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) May 3, 2022
Alexis McGill Johnson
Alexis McGill Johnson, the current president of Planned Parenthood, offered a defiant response, reassuring supporters that her organization was prepared for the battle ahead. She tweeted, “This leaked opinion is dangerous but we have been preparing for every possible outcome in this case — and are built for this fight! Our health centers remain open and make no mistake, we’re fighting like hell.” Her statement underscored Planned Parenthood’s commitment to continuing its services and advocacy despite the formidable challenge.
This leaked opinion is dangerous but we have been preparing for every possible outcome in this case — and are built for this fight! Our health centers remain open and make no mistake, we’re fighting like hell.
— Alexis McGill Johnson (@alexismcgill) May 3, 2022
Cecile Richards
Cecile Richards, the former president of Planned Parenthood, also weighed in, highlighting the political dimension of the potential decision. She posted, “5 judges appointed by Republicans appear to be prepared to end a 50 year old constitutional right to legal abortion. This is not what the American people want; this is Republican politicians putting government in charge of your pregnancy. Full stop.” Richards’ tweet framed the issue as a direct result of political appointments and a challenge to popular will, emphasizing government overreach into personal medical decisions.
5 judges appointed by Republicans appear to be prepared to end a 50 year old constitutional right to legal abortion. This is not what the American people want; this is Republican politicians putting government in charge of your pregnancy. Full stop. https://t.co/EKfze6XV5b
— Cecile Richards (@CecileRichards) May 3, 2022
Yvette Nicole Brown
Actress Yvette Nicole Brown used her platform to directly address those who may have contributed to the current political climate through their voting choices. Her disapproving tweet asserted, “If you are upset that #RoeVWade is about to be overturned by the Supreme Court but you didn’t vote in 2016 or you voted for Trump because you didn’t like the smart lady, YOU did this w/your apathy or your decision to choose an imp for President. YOU gave him THREE SCOTUS seats.” Brown’s strong words underscored the long-term consequences of presidential elections on the composition of the Supreme Court and its impact on fundamental rights.
If you are upset that #RoeVWade is about to be overturned by the Supreme Court but you didn’t vote in 2016 or you voted for Trump because you didn’t like the smart lady, YOU did this w/your apathy or your decision to choose an imp for President. YOU gave him THREE SCOTUS seats.
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) May 3, 2022
Hillary Clinton
Former First Lady, Senator, and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who ran for president in 2016, also shared her unequivocal disapproval. She stated, “Not surprising. But still outrageous. This decision is a direct assault on the dignity, rights, & lives of women, not to mention decades of settled law. It will kill and subjugate women even as a vast majority of Americans think abortion should be legal. What an utter disgrace.” Clinton’s tweet highlighted the perceived disrespect for women’s autonomy and the erosion of legal precedent that the decision would represent.
Not surprising. But still outrageous.
This decision is a direct assault on the dignity, rights, & lives of women, not to mention decades of settled law. It will kill and subjugate women even as a vast majority of Americans think abortion should be legal. What an utter disgrace. https://t.co/TNo1IX3Tl4
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) May 3, 2022
Erin Brockovich
Activist and legal clerk Erin Brockovich emphasized the enduring importance of voting and democratic participation. Her tweet served as a “tough love” reminder: “Tough Love Time: Elections have consequences and decisions are made by those who show up. Tweeting is not activism but VOTING is. Get off your ass and vote. #RoeVWade #scotus.” Brockovich’s message powerfully urged individuals to translate their outrage into concrete political action, reinforcing the idea that voter turnout directly influences judicial appointments and the protection of rights.
Tough Love Time: Elections have consequences and decisions are made by those who show up.
Tweeting is not activism but VOTING is.
Get off your ass and vote.#RoeVWade #scotus
— Erin Brockovich (@ErinBrockovich) May 3, 2022
Kathy Griffin
Comedian Kathy Griffin set aside her usual comedic tone to express her grave concerns about the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade. She tweeted, “Roe v Wade has been overturned. Yes I know. Stay in my lane. Well I’d love to be posting about the met gala but this is the only attendee I care about. President Hillary Clinton never would’ve let Roe be overturned.” Griffin’s statement highlighted the gravity of the situation, prioritizing fundamental rights over celebrity events, and drawing a stark comparison to an alternative political outcome.
Maria Shriver
Journalist and former First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, similarly redirected public attention from high-profile social events like the Met Gala to the critical Supreme Court news. She wrote, “I’m so, what’s the word right now? I can’t say it. Everyone is focused on whose wearing what at the Met Gala and women’s rights are taking the biggest hit in plain sight. I wish everyone would focus on one thing. We need everyone to focus on the news coming out regarding #SCOTUS.” Shriver’s tweet underscored the urgent need for collective focus on the escalating threat to women’s constitutional rights.
I’m so, what’s the word right now? I can’t say it. Everyone is focused on whose wearing what at the Met Gala and women’s rights are taking the biggest hit in plain sight. I wish everyone would focus on one thing. We need everyone to focus on the news coming out regarding #SCOTUS
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) May 3, 2022
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, widely known as AOC, offered a strategic perspective, emphasizing the responsibility of elected Democrats to act decisively in such perilous times. She shared, “People elected Democrats precisely so we could lead in perilous moments like these- to codify Roe, hold corruption accountable, & have a President who uses his legal authority to break through Congressional gridlock on items from student debt to climate. It’s high time we do it.” AOC’s tweet served as a direct challenge to her party, urging immediate legislative action to protect abortion rights and other progressive agendas.
People elected Democrats precisely so we could lead in perilous moments like these- to codify Roe, hold corruption accountable, & have a President who uses his legal authority to break through Congressional gridlock on items from student debt to climate.
It’s high time we do it.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 3, 2022
Bernie Sanders
U.S. Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders articulated a clear legislative path forward, advocating for the immediate codification of Roe v. Wade into federal law. He wrote, “Congress must pass legislation that codifies Roe v. Wade as the law of the land in this country NOW. And if there aren’t 60 votes in the Senate to do it, and there are not, we must end the filibuster to pass it with 50 votes.” Senator Sanders’ call to action highlighted the procedural hurdles in the Senate and advocated for a bold legislative maneuver to safeguard reproductive rights, emphasizing the urgency of the moment.
Congress must pass legislation that codifies Roe v. Wade as the law of the land in this country NOW. And if there aren’t 60 votes in the Senate to do it, and there are not, we must end the filibuster to pass it with 50 votes.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) May 3, 2022
The Road Ahead for Reproductive Rights
The leaked Supreme Court draft opinion on Roe v. Wade has ignited a profound national conversation about the future of reproductive rights, individual liberty, and the role of the judiciary. President Biden’s pledge to defend abortion access and his call for voter mobilization underscore the high stakes involved. The widespread reactions from influential figures across various sectors reflect a collective sense of urgency and a determination to resist the erosion of established rights.
As the nation awaits the final ruling, the spotlight remains firmly on the Supreme Court, Congress, and the American electorate. The path forward will undoubtedly involve sustained legal challenges, intensified political activism, and crucial electoral battles. The outcome of this debate will not only redefine women’s health access but also cast a long shadow over the interpretation of constitutional rights for generations to come, making this a defining moment in American history.