NEW YORK — Democrats sounded the alarm on Sunday, two days after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky warned a nationwide ban was "possible" if his party took control of Congress.Democratic senators indicated on Sunday talk programs and in other public pronouncements that Republicans would not stop at allowing states to determine the matter, but would most certainly seek federal limitations. They said it was critical for the Democratic Party to keep control of the Senate as it attempts to codify abortion rights into federal law.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat from New York, said on CNN's "State of the Union" that "we need to make sure that every single voter understands that the Republican Party and Mitch McConnell do not believe that their daughters, mothers, sisters have the right to make fundamental life and death decisions." "This verdict has made us half-citizens." If this becomes law, it will alter America's foundation."Mr. McConnell said in an interview with USA Today that if a leaked draft ruling suggested that the Supreme Court was headed to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that established a constitutional right to abortion, a national abortion ban was "feasible."
When asked if a national abortion ban was "worthy of debate," Mr. McConnell responded, "If the leaked opinion became the final opinion, legislative bodies — not only at the state level but at the federal level — absolutely could legislate in that area."
"So, yeah," he added.
Mr. McConnell emphasized that while a nationwide ban is premature, the Republican Party has long been opposed to abortion. Some Republican senators are already talking about moving to outlaw abortion after a set number of weeks, ranging from six to twenty depending on the proposal.
"I anticipate people to be more definite if and when the court reaches a final verdict," Mr. McConnell added. "However, I don't believe it's a mystery where Senate Republicans stand on the subject."
With a post-Roe America likely as soon as next month, a letter disseminated by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and obtained by Axios urged candidates to remain low-key regarding abortion, casting themselves as "compassionate consensus builders."
The text adds, "States should have the flexibility to apply acceptable limits."
Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Republican, indicated on "Fox News Sunday" that he would introduce legislation making abortion illegal after 20 weeks of pregnancy nationally.
Mr. Graham stated, "We're one of seven countries in the world that permits abortion on demand at 20 weeks, the fifth month of pregnancy." "This subject will continue to be debated in Congress."
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, remarked on ABC's "This Week" that no woman wants a Republican senator, such as Texas' Ted Cruz, to decide whether she can have an abortion.
"Whose decision should this be made?" Is it a lady and her doctor or a politician who should be involved? Should this decision be made by Ted Cruz or by a woman and her family?"
Senator Maggie Hassan, a re-election candidate from New Hampshire, issued a statement on Mr. McConnell's remarks on Saturday evening.
"Mitch McConnell has already stated that if Republicans win the Senate majority, they would immediately attempt to criminalize abortion statewide and restrict reproductive freedom for women across the country, including in New Hampshire," Ms. Hassan stated.
Senator Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York and the majority leader, has scheduled a vote on an abortion-rights measure for Wednesday. Republicans are almost certain to block the bill because it lacks the 60 votes required to overcome the Senate's legislative filibuster.
Senator Joe Manchin III, a centrist Democrat from West Virginia who opposes abortion rights, voted against bringing up a nearly identical proposal in February and showed no evidence of changing his mind.
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