Biden vows to act against the sweeping controversial Texas Abortion Law, launches federal effort in response

Texas has implemented the most hardline abortion law in the United States of America that bans mostly all abortions. After the Supreme Court of the US denied blocking the controversial law in an emergency move with judges voting 5-4 against the motion to protect rights of women, President Joe Biden has assured to protect the abortion right of women. 

The Conservatives dominated the Supreme Court’s decision of denying to freeze the Texas law which would have meant that law would only remain in books, for now, has frustrated activists.

Furthermore, Biden avoiding mention of the term ‘abortion’ in past public remarks and statements too has been the reason of frustration among activists. They say it reflects how the basis of women’s rights, the right to abortion, has taken a backseat among agendas for the Biden administration. 

Taking a hint from criticism, Biden on Thursday harshly criticized the Texas abortion law calling it an “unprecedented assault on a woman’s constitutional rights.” He further fiercely called out the “bizarre scheme” of the law that allows private citizens to file civil suits against anyone who helps a pregnant woman seeking an abortion.

Calling this scheme to have the potential to release “unconstitutional chaos”, President Biden said, “Complete strangers will now be empowered to inject themselves in the most private and personal health decisions faced by women.” 

In an attempt to protect abortion rights, Biden said he is launching a complete government effort from within the White House to respond and counter the law. He has given the task to the Department of Health and Human Services and the Justice Department “to see what steps the Federal Government can take to ensure that women in Texas have access to safe and legal abortions”.     

How can the Biden administration counter the Texas law?    

Biden is under growing pressure to react more aggressively as the abortion law comes into effect after six weeks. As President Biden and top Democrats scramble to chalk out the strategy for countering the repressive law, the options available are rather thin. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Thursday that within weeks Democrats would be voting to pass Women’s Health Protection Act. This bill would ensure women the right to access abortion also permit medical practitioners to perform procedures for abortion.

“Upon our return, the House will bring up congresswoman Judy Chu’s Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine into law reproductive healthcare for all women across America,” Pelosi said. 

Liberal Democrats are urging Biden to strike down restrictions on access to abortions and also the Hyde amendment, which prohibits federal funding for most abortions.