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Transcript/ScriptUS CONGRESS – ABORTION (TV)
HEADLINE: US Lawmakers Fail to Pass Measure to Protect Abortion Rights
TEASER: The Democrat-led bill to protect abortion rights comes amid reports the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the landmark ruling that legalized abortion
PUBLISHED AT: Wednesday, 05/11/2022, 7:23p
BYLINE: Katherine Gypson
PRODUCERS: Katherine Gypson
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: MAS, BR
VIDEO SOURCE (S): AP, Reuters, ABC
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:37
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE:))
((TV/WEB INTRO))
[[Democratic party lawmakers in the U.S. failed Wednesday to pass a measure essentially codifying the right to an abortion. The vote ((Senate vote expected around 3:00 pm EDT)) comes after revelations that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the landmark Roe Vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion almost 50 years ago. VOA’s Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson reports.]]
((NARRATOR))
Fencing around the nation’s highest court this week … as demonstrations mount in response to a leaked draft opinion showing the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe versus Wade, the decision affirming a constitutional right to an abortion.
((Irina, Supports Abortion Rights)) ((last name withheld))
“I'd really prefer that abortion remain a constitutional right. It's health care. I don't think the government should be getting in between anyone and their doctors.”
((NARRATOR))
Public support for abortion rights has slightly increased since the draft opinion was revealed, with just over half of Americans — 53 percent — saying they do not want to see Roe versus Wade overturned.
But across the country, many are welcoming the court’s anticipated move.
((Jack Durham, Abortion Opponent))
"I'm hoping more babies will be saved. That's what I'm looking for. I would like to see it be illegal completely.”
((NARRATOR))
If Roe v Wade is overturned, abortion will immediately become illegal in 13 states and could very quickly be outlawed in 19 more.
Senate Democrats tried to prevent that with a vote Wednesday on a measure to protect abortion rights at the federal level.
((Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader))
“Today's vote is one of the most consequential we will take in decades, because for the first time in 50 years, a conservative majority and extreme majority on the Supreme Court is on the brink of declaring that women do not have freedom over their own bodies. One of the longest steps back in the court’s entire history.”
((NARRATOR))
But Democrats only narrowly control the Senate and didn’t have enough votes to pass the measure over Republican objections.
((Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader))
“Our Democratic colleagues want to vote for abortion on demand through all nine months — until the moment before the baby is born. A failed show vote that will only prove their own extremism.”
((NARRATOR))
McConnell has promised to pursue a federal ban on abortion if Republicans win control of the Senate in this year’s midterm elections.
Meanwhile, the White House has warned that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, the nation may see birth control restricted and abortion classified as homicide.
((Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary))
"I think we're at serious risk. You heard,, you noted Mitch McConnell and other Republicans in Congress are talking about a national ban on a woman's right to choose."
((NARRATOR))
The U.S. is currently one of seven countries worldwide that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
((Katherine Gypson, VOA News, Washington))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Washington D.C.
Embargo DateMay 11, 2022 18:06 EDT
Byline((Katherine Gypson, VOA News, Washington))
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
