WASHINGTON — After the Supreme Court heard oral arguments today considering whether to overturn Roe v. Wade and uphold Mississippi’s law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks, the DLCC called on the Democratic Party, voters, and activists to channel their outrage in supporting Democrats at the state legislative level — and prevent these far right, out-of-touch policies from being passed in the first place. Winning state legislatures is more critical than ever with Justice Kavanaugh signaling his support for overturning Roe and leaving the issue of reproductive rights to the states to decide.
“Unfortunately, we cannot rely on the Supreme Court to protect reproductive rights because it does not reflect the beliefs of the American people by any measure,” said DLCC executive director Heather Williams. “An overwhelming majority of Americans do not want Roe v. Wade overturned, but the fate of abortion rights lies in the hands of a conservative-leaning court, including three justices who were appointed by a president who lost the popular vote.
“We cannot forget that this attack on reproductive rights began in the states, where many fringe policies are crafted and passed into law. State laws have enormous power and influence, inspiring copy-cat state and federal laws and creating legal precedents that aren’t confined by state borders. Addressing the root of the problem is long overdue — and even more urgent with Justice Kavanaugh’s suggestion to kick reproductive rights back to the states. We must invest in, organize, and elect Democrats to state legislatures where they can enshrine these and other fundamental rights. The Supreme Court won’t save us, but Democratic state legislatures can.”
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