Anti-abortion Democrat Bob Casey announces support for legislation to codify Roe
Casey’s father is the namesake behind Planned Parenthood v Casey, the 1992 Supreme Court decision that reaffirmed the constitutional right to an abortion
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.Senator Bob Casey, one of the last anti-abortion Democrats in the Senate, announced on Tuesday that he would support Democrats’ legislation to codify the protections in Roe v Wade.
Mr Casey’s father, Bob Casey Sr, was governor of Pennsylvania and ardently opposed to abortion and the elder Casey’s name is the namesake for Planned Parenthood v Casey, the 1992 Supreme Court decision that reaffirmed the constitutional right to an abortion.
In 2006, Mr Casey ran on being “pro life” and “pro life, pro gun” when he beat arch-conservative Republican Senator Rick Santorum. In 2008, he spoke at the 2008 Democratic National Convention about his disagreement with Democratic nominee Barack Obama on abortion.
“Barack Obama and I have an honest disagreement on the issue of abortion. But the fact that I’m speaking here tonight is testament to Barack’s ability to show respect for the views of people who may disagree with him.”
When the Women’s Health Protection Act, Democrats’ legislation to codify the protections within Roe v Wade, failed to pass the Senate last time, Mr Casey voted to allow the debate to proceed. But Mr Casey cited the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that showed that the conservative majority was ready to overturn Roe v Wade.
“In the nearly three months since the Senate last voted on the Women’s Health Protection Act, the circumstances around the entire debate on abortion have changed,” he said.
“In light of the leaked Supreme Court decision draft overturning Roe v. Wade, and subsequent reports that Republicans in the U.S. House and Senate will introduce legislation to enact a nationwide six-week ban, the real question of the moment is: do you support a categorical ban on abortion? During my time in public office, I have never voted for—nor do I support—such a ban.”
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