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Transcript/ScriptUS CONGRESS-SUPREME COURT - ABORTION (TV)
HEADLINE: US Lawmakers Brace for Fight Over Abortion Rights
TEASER: Supreme Court draft opinion to overturn Roe versus Wade rallies voters on both sides
PUBLISHED AT: 05/04/2022, 9:55
BYLINE: Katherine Gypson
PRODUCERS: Katherine Gypson
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER: Saqib Ui Islam
SCRIPT EDITORS: MAS, Jepsen, Djones
VIDEO SOURCE (S): AP, Reuters, VOA
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 3:50
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE:))
((TV/WEB INTRO))
[[A leaked draft opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court showing it is on the cusp of overturning Roe v. Wade has shaken the U.S. Congress. The landmark decision legalized abortion in the United States nearly 50 years ago. Conservative Republicans — who have worked for decades to reverse the ruling — praised the draft decision while Democratic lawmakers vowed to fight it. VOA’s congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.]]
((NARRATOR))
One of the nation’s most contentious debates back in focus … for those who support abortion rights …
((Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Democrat)) ((female, English, 29 sec))
"I'm madder than hell, because an extremist United States Supreme Court, five people, think that they can dictate to tens of millions of women across this country. The decisions that are our decisions about our lives, they think that, they are wrong."
((NARRATOR))
… and for those who oppose abortion.
((Kristin, Abortion Rights Opponent))
"This means everything to us. This is the moment we've been fighting for. We have seen these dead bodies. We have seen the mangled bodies of abortion victims."
((NARRATOR))
… Democratic lawmakers criticizing a draft opinion that revealed a majority of justices on the nation’s highest court support ending the constitutional right to an abortion. If the court reverses the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nearly 50 years ago, Democrats say the move will have a broad impact.
((Kamala Harris, Vice President))
“Womens’ rights in America are under attack. // If the court overturns Roe v. Wade, it will be a direct assault on freedom, on the fundamental right of self-determination to which all Americans are entitled.”
((NARRATOR))
But even with Harris’ tie-breaking vote narrowly giving Democrats control of the U.S. Senate, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer does not have the votes to pass legislation protecting the right to an abortion at the federal level. But he said he would still hold that vote next week.
((Sen. Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader))
“Every American is going to see which side every senator stands on. // The elections this November will have consequences because the rights of 100 million women are now on the ballot to help fight this court's awful decision.”
((NARRATOR))
Overturning Roe versus Wade would put the issue center stage during upcoming midterm elections. Nationally, an average of 54 percent of Americans support legalized abortion.
Conservatives have worked for years to overturn Roe versus Wade, and many supported former President Donald Trump because of his appointment of anti-abortion Supreme Court justices.
((Sen. John Thune, Republican))
“The fight to defend life is in keeping with our highest ideals, our passion for justice, our dedication to human rights, and our compassion for the innocent and the vulnerable. I am grateful for all the Americans who have fought to make sure the right to life of vulnerable human beings is protected.”
((NARRATOR))
But Mitch McConnell cautioned the justices have not yet released their final opinion and should not be influenced by the release of the leaked draft.
((Sen. Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader))
"The court should tune out the bad-faith noise and feel completely free to do their jobs. They should follow the facts and the law wherever that leads."
((NARRATOR))
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a final opinion in the coming weeks. The decision in the draft opinion would result in an almost immediate outlawing of abortion in 13 U.S. states and clear the way for an additional 19 states to enforce laws banning the procedure.
((Katherine Gypson, VOA News, Washington))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Washington D. C.
Embargo DateMay 4, 2022 22:41 EDT
Byline((Katherine Gypson, VOA News, Washington)
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
