Pelosi leads Democrats in effort to codify Roe into law

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is vowing to fight in Congress to codify Roe v. Wade after the Supreme Court overturned the landmark decision.

"Democrats will keep fighting ferociously to enshrine Roe v. Wade into law of the land," Pelosi said. "This cruel ruling is outrageous and heart‑wrenching."

The California Democrat called the decision a "slap in the face to women about using their own judgment to make their own decisions about their reproductive freedom."

Democrats have tried to codify Roe v. Wade into law in the past, but it has never passed Congress.

In September, the Democrat-led House passed the Women's Health Protection Act, but the bill didn't move forward in the Senate.

After the draft opinion of the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade leaked in May, Democrats in the Senate tried to pass legislation to codify Roe, but Republicans were able to block the measure. 

Realizing they lack the votes to codify a right to abortion into law in the 50-50 Senate, Democrats are calling on their base to mobilize and vote in November. 

"This fall, Roe is on the ballot," President Biden said at the White House on Friday. "Personal freedoms are on the ballot. The right to privacy, liberty, equality — they're all on the ballot. Until then, I will do all in my power to protect a woman's right in states where they will face the consequences of today's decision."

Pelosi also said Roe v. Wade is "on the ballot in November."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the decision to overturn Roe "makes crystal clear the contrast" between both parties as the November elections approach.

"Elect more MAGA Republicans if you want nationwide abortion bans, the jailing of women and doctors and no exemptions for rape or incest," Schumer said. "Or elect more pro-choice Democrats to save Roe and protect a woman's right to make their own decisions about their body, not politicians."

The Women's March organization is advocating for protests this summer.

"This is a nightmare come to life, one with deadly consequences for women," the left-wing advocacy organization said in a press release on Friday. "But we will not stop fighting until justice protects us from attacks on our bodies. And until every woman in every state has the right to an abortion. Our summer of rage has just begun. We'll see you in the streets."