WASHINGTON (Fwrd Axis) — President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday to protect access to abortion as his administration pushes back on the Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade from two weeks ago.
Speaking from the White House, Biden spoke with anger as he called the Supreme Court’s decision “totally wrongheaded” and “extreme.”
“This was not a decision driven by the Constitution,” he said. “The court has made clear it will not protect the rights of women.”
Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin have all banned abortion. A dozen states are expected to follow to prohibit or restrict the procedure in the coming weeks.
“I’m asking the Justice Department that, much like they did in the Civil Rights era, to do everything in their power to protect these women seeking to invoke their rights,” Biden said.
The executive order will ensure the safety of abortion patients and providers. Some of the motions enacted include setting up mobile clinics near the borders of states restricting abortion access and providing protection to those who cross state lines to get the procedure.
Despite criticism, Biden emphasized that the fastest way to undo the Supreme Court decision would be to pass a law in Congress legalizing abortion access, a move that is supported by 48 of the 50 senators, which the President acknowledged.
“If you want to change the situation for women — and even little girls — in this country, please go out and vote,” Biden said.
The President has come under fire from Democrats over a lack of fire in responding to states banning abortion after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24.
The Biden administration also directed the Federal Trade Commission to begin taking steps to protect the privacy of people who are looking for information about abortion services.
“It’s my hope and strong belief that women will in fact turnout and record numbers to reclaim the rights that have taken from them by the court,” Biden said. “There’s an election in November. Vote.”
