Mitch McConnell says national abortion ban is ‘possible’

Senator Mitch McConnell, the top Senate Republican, said national abortion legislation is “possible” if the Supreme Court Roe v. brings Wade down.

“If the leaked statement became the final statement, then certainly the legislatures — not just at the state level but also at the federal level — could legislate in this area,” the Kentucky Republican told USA Today.

“And if that were the final decision, that would be the point that should be resolved in the legislative process one way or another. So yes, it’s possible,” McConnell said.

The debate over abortion rights has taken a new turn since Judge Samuel Alito unveiled a draft majority opinion last week showing the court is poised to overturn the landmark 1973 decision as early as June.

In the statement, Alito wrote that “Roe was terribly wrong from the start,” arguing that states should decide whether to restrict abortion rights.

Some Republicans were more critical of the document leak than the decision, fearing a potential backlash in voting during the November 2022 midterm elections.

But the Senate Minority Leader said Republicans’ stance on the issue will become clearer once the Supreme Court officially acts.

“On the abortion issue, I think it’s pretty clear where Senate Republicans stand. And when the court makes a final decision, I expect all will be more final,” he said. “But I don’t think it’s a big secret where Republican senators stand on this issue.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the decision an “abomination,” will call a vote Tuesday to decide Roe v. Codify Wade into federal law.

But it’s unlikely to pass because Democrats don’t have the 60 votes needed to pass a law in the chamber.