The Senate on Monday blocked a Democrat-led effort to gut state-level “pro-life” laws that sought to codify the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision into law.
The — sponsored by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) — “invoked Congress’ right to regulate interstate commerce and argued that ‘it is difficult and time and resource-consuming for clinics to challenge State laws that burden or impede abortion services,'” The Daily Wire reported.
“The bill would have barred state-level regulations such as ultrasound requirements, waiting periods, and certain gestational age restrictions, including the Texas Heartbeat Act,” the report continued.
By a 48-46 margin, the measure did not reach the 60-vote filibuster-proof level to invoke cloture and move to a full vote in the chamber. A half dozen senators did not vote and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) opposed the bill along with Republicans.
Democrats lamented the failure of the measure, which had already been passed by the Dem-controlled House.
“Roe v. Wade is hanging on by an ever-thinning thread, which is why I just voted to move forward with the Women’s Health Protection Act — a bill that would protect access to abortion,” Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. “Disappointed that this critical effort did not succeed.”
Roe v. Wade is hanging on by an ever-thinning thread, which is why I just voted to move forward with the Women’s Health Protection Act—a bill that would protect access to abortion. Disappointed that this critical effort did not succeed.
— Senator Dick Durbin
“Tonight, Democrats stood up to protect the right to abortion & defend #RoeVWade as the law of the land. Unlike Republicans, we made clear that we trust patients to make their own decisions about their bodies & families,” Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) added. “We didn’t get the outcome we wanted, but I’m not giving up.”
Tonight, Democrats stood up to protect the right to abortion & defend as the law of the land. Unlike Republicans, we made clear that we trust patients to make their own decisions about their bodies & families.
We didn't get the outcome we wanted, but I'm not giving up.
— Senator Patty Murray
Republicans, however, cheered the bill’s failure.
“The Women’s Health Protection Act is a dangerous and disingenuous attempt to codify Roe v. Wade and create a federal right to abortion,” Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) said.
I am glad to stand alongside so many of my colleagues in opposition to this attack on the most vulnerable members of our society. We will continue to fight for life.
— Senator Roger Wicker
“I am glad to stand alongside so many of my colleagues in opposition to this attack on the most vulnerable members of our society. We will continue to fight for life.”
“The Women’s Health Protection Act is an attack against the health of women & unborn children,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) said.
The Women’s Health Protection Act is an attack against the health of women & unborn children. Today, I voted against this legislation which would open the pathway for abortion on demand & legalize late term abortions.
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn
“Today, I voted against this legislation which would open the pathway for abortion on demand & legalize late term abortions.”
The Democratic push to pass the legislation comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers a Mississippi pro-life case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which bans all abortions after 15 weeks.