Biden Ahead of Midterm Elections: "If Democrats Win, Enacting Abortion Rights Protection Law Is Top Priority"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden stated that if the Democratic Party wins the upcoming midterm elections in November, the first bill to be processed in Congress next year will be one that guarantees abortion rights. This move is interpreted as an effort to rally progressive voters by reigniting the abortion rights issue amid recent polls predicting an advantage for the opposition Republican Party.

In a speech held on the 18th (local time) at the Howard Theater in Washington DC, President Biden said, "If you care about the right to choose, you must vote." He first appealed for voter support so that the ruling Democratic Party could control Congress, saying, "We are short of votes." He also emphasized, "If you do that, I promise the American people that the first bill I send to Congress will codify Roe v. Wade," adding, "If Congress passes the bill, I will sign it in January next year, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling."

Abortion rights have recently been cited as a major issue leading to the consolidation of progressive forces. The Roe v. Wade ruling was a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court on January 22, 1973, recognizing a woman's right to abortion as a constitutional right. However, in June, the conservative-controlled Supreme Court overturned this ruling.

In response, President Biden announced plans to sign a federal law codifying Roe v. Wade in January next year, the 50th anniversary of the ruling, aiming not only at the progressive camp but also at swing voters. Various polls have already confirmed that over 60% of respondents support Roe v. Wade. The rejection of a state constitutional amendment to remove abortion protections in Kansas, a Republican stronghold, last August is also seen as evidence of the political influence of abortion rights.

Last month, at a Democratic Party event held in Washington DC, President Biden emphasized, "If the Democratic Party secures two more seats in the U.S. Senate, we will codify Roe v. Wade," adding, "We will once again protect women's right to choose."

Meanwhile, a poll released the same day by The New York Times (NYT) showed that 49% of respondents intend to vote for Republican candidates in the midterm elections on the 8th of next month, ahead of the Democrats at 45%. Voters cited the economy (26%) and inflation (18%) as the main issues. Issues promoted by the Democrats such as democracy (8%), abortion rights (5%), and climate change (3%) received lower responses.

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