Biden is weighing the authority to declare a public health emergency over abortion

July 10 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday he has asked his administration to consider whether he has the authority to declare a public health emergency over abortion after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.

The comments came after Biden signed an executive order Friday to ease access to abortion services. read more

While Biden was going for a bike ride near his home in Delaware, he stopped to speak to reporters, who asked if he was considering declaring a public health emergency over abortion access. In response, the president replied that he had asked his staff to “see if I have the authority” and what the consequences would be.

Biden, a Democrat, has upheld nearly 50 years of protections for women’s reproductive rights in Roe v. Wade has been under pressure from his own party to take action after last month’s landmark reversal.

Stopping to speak to reporters, Biden said he would codify abortion rights through legislation and deliver a message to abortion rights protesters gathered outside the White House.

“Keep resisting. Please keep giving your feedback. It’s critically important,” she said. “There’s a lot we can do to accommodate women’s rights.”

Statement by Nandita Bose; Written by Tyler Clifford in New York; Editing by Chisu Nomiyama

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