HELLO NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS
I’m writing about today’s radical Supreme Court ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case overturning the constitutionally protected right to an abortion.
This is a dark and heavy day in our nation’s history, and a revolting decision from the court.
Six justices—five appointed by GOP presidents who lost the popular vote—voted to literally take away a fundamental constitutional right from the American people.
Two of them have faced credible sexual assault accusations.
One of them is married to someone who tried to overthrow the government.
Their decision makes a mockery of justice, and will further erode trust in the legitimacy of our institutions.
Where will the court go next? We don’t have to look far. The GOP isn’t even hiding their radical, far-right agenda anymore. They’re coming for same-sex marriage. And LGBTQ rights. And birth control. And the right to privacy.
Don’t take my word for it. In his concurring opinion, Clarence Thomas said the Supreme Court should “correct the error” established in Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell because those decisions are “demonstrably erroneous.”
The hypocrisy is outrageous.
The same GOP saying that states shouldn’t be able to set their own gun laws, now says that states should be able to outlaw abortion.
The same GOP pushing false narratives about vaccines now wants to put politicians in Washington in charge of women’s personal medical choices.
The same GOP arguing against mask mandates is now arguing that women aren’t in charge of their own bodies.
Before I’m a member of Congress, I’m a dad. I know many parents are struggling with the impact of this news for the autonomy of our kids and for every American. I’m enraged this generation will have fewer rights than the last. They deserve better from their country’s leadership. The court has failed them.
And make no mistake: this decision will not impact all of us equally. It will have a disproportionate impact on Black and brown women, poor women, and those without the ability or means to travel to get the medical care they deserve.
Here’s the bottom line: The rights of all women—and all Americans—are on the ballot in November.
I am working with my colleagues in Congress and the Biden administration to meet the urgency of the crisis and use all tools at our disposal from across the federal government to mitigate the incredible harm of this decision.
We must continue fighting for an America where abortion is safe and legal for everyone.
Radical Republicans—from Congress to the court—are not done stripping away freedoms. The GOP is defined by this extremism. We saw it on January 6 and we’re seeing it today at the court. This decision must catalyze us to action.
It’s up to all of us to keep fighting for what we believe in. We will not give up. We will not give in. We support women and we’re not going back.
Sincerely,
James P. McGovern
Member of Congress
