1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

As demonstrated by the leaked draft majority opinion indicating the Supreme Court will likely overturn Roe v. Wade, codifying or legislatively protecting abortion rights at the federal level is now of critical importance. The House has already passed the Women's Health Protection Act, which would create a federal statutory right to access abortion care free from medically unnecessary restrictions. However, this bill faces an uphill battle in the closely divided Senate. I urge Congress to act swiftly to codify the core principles of Roe v. Wade into federal law to preserve reproductive rights nationwide. A woman's ability to make her own personal medical decisions about pregnancy, in consultation with her doctor, is fundamental and should be safeguarded against state infringement. The constitutional right to privacy and bodily autonomy was rightly recognized in Roe, even if the Court now intends to discard this longstanding precedent. Overturning Roe would not only revoke a half-century of protected reproductive freedoms, but could open the door to undermining other rights derived from substantive due process, such as same-sex marriage or access to contraception. Enshrining abortion access through federal legislation is necessary to prevent a patchwork of draconian restrictions from emerging across the country, threatening women's equality, autonomy, and well-being. The will of the American people, who overwhelmingly support upholding Roe, must be honored through prompt congressional action. Codifying the principles of Roe v. Wade into statutory law will enshrine reproductive rights, protect personal liberty, and uphold democratic values. With the Court poised to overturn this landmark precedent, I implore Congress to act decisively to safeguard the right to choose through federal legislation. This consequential issue demands a legislative solution reflective of the nation's values.