Delaware first state under Donald Trump to ensure abortion stays legal
Democratic Governor signs into law bill that removes restrictions on abortion from state law
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Delaware has become the first US state since Donald Trump became president to ensure that abortion will remain legal, even if the US leader appoints judges who will rule against abortion rights.
Democratic Governor John Carney Jr signed into law a bill that removed restrictions on abortions from state law, making Delaware the eighth state to guarantee women the right to an abortion.
As a presidential candidate, Mr Trump vowed to nominate judges to the Supreme Court who would help overturn Roe v Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that established a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion under the Fourteenth Amendment.
“Well, if we put another two or perhaps three justices on, that’s really what’s going to be – that will happen,” Mr Trump said during that October debate.
“And that’ll happen automatically, in my opinion, because I am putting pro-life justices on the court. I will say this: It will go back to the states, and the states will then make a determination.”
In January, less than two weeks after becoming president, Mr Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to the highest court in the land. The Senate confirmed Mr Gorsuch in April, helping to cement a conservative majority on the nine-justice bench that could last for decades.
But the appointment of conservative judges to the Supreme Court does not guarantee the reversal of past decisions such as Roe v Wade.
In the meantime, Republican-controlled legislatures across the country are continuing their mission to roll back abortion rights.
The Republican governors of Texas and Missouri said this week that they would call their legislators back into special session to deal with anti-abortion legislation.
States including Iowa, Kentucky and Ohio have also recently passed bans on abortions after 20 weeks.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments