As US erupts over 'Abortion Rights Repeal'... Biden Considers Declaring Public Health Emergency

President Joe Biden of the United States [Photo by AP]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 10th (local time), U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he is considering declaring a public health emergency in response to some states banning abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of the 'Roe v. Wade' ruling that recognized women's abortion rights.

According to Bloomberg News and others, President Biden spoke to reporters at his private residence in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, saying, "I have asked medical experts within the government to examine whether I have the authority to do so (declare a public health emergency) and what the actual impact would be."

Under the U.S. Public Health Service Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services can declare a public health emergency for 90 days in response to serious diseases or other emergencies, mobilizing necessary resources and extending the period if needed. The U.S. government declared a public health emergency in 2020 to respond to COVID-19 and has continued to extend it.

However, regarding the declaration of a public health emergency related to abortion, the White House has previously stated that it is not a good option. On the 8th, Jen Klein, Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, said, "(This option) is not completely ruled out, but it does not seem like a good choice." Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that senior officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and the White House discussed this but put it on hold due to potential legal issues.

Nonetheless, despite skeptical opinions within the White House about declaring an emergency due to legal and practical concerns, it is analyzed that President Biden ordered a review as voices demanding fundamental measures against the abortion rights overturn ruling are rising from the Democratic Party's core support base. The previous morning in Washington D.C., thousands protested against the overturning of abortion rights.

When asked about his stance on the protest, President Biden said, "It is very important to continue protesting and making your voices heard," adding, "The president does not have the authority to make the 'Roe v. Wade' ruling into law and reinstate it." He continued, "The way to do that is through elections," urging people to participate in voting and support Democratic candidates in the upcoming November midterm elections.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.