The Democrats failed in their attempt to pass the law
(Picture: REUTERS)Democrats have failed in a bid to introduce a federal abortion law after it was blocked by Republicans.
The Women’s Health Protection Act was passed in the House of Representatives but was blocked 51-49 in the Senate, which is led by the opposition party.
Following the vote, US Vice President Kamala Harris said: “Sadly the Senate failed to stand in defence of a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.”
The bill aimed most of its protections for up to 24 weeks into pregnancy and would bar states from enacting “medically unnecessary” operations.
The move came amid fears the Supreme Court is set to repeal women’s abortion rights.
Since the leak, widespread protests have sparked across the country with some targeting the justices’ homes, who are expected to meet for the first time since the draft memo became public on Thursday.
While the draft opinion would not result in a nationwide ban, it would allow states the right to bar abortion outright.
“The vote we just took makes crystal clear the contrast between parties as we approach the mid-terms," said Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday.
"Elect more pro-choice Democrats if you want to protect a woman’s right to choose. Elect more Maga Republicans if you want to see a nationwide abortion ban."
However, Republicans argued that lawmakers should promote an “ethic of life” rather than abortion.
Ahead of the vote, a group of House Democrat women marched across the Capitol chanting: “My body, my decision.”
