WASHINGTON: Public figures across the political spectrum reacted to the US Supreme Court ruling on Friday overturning the landmark 1973 Roe versus Wade decision that recognised a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion and legalised it nationwide.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, A Democrat “This cruel ruling is outrageous and heart-wrenching. But make no mistake: the rights of women and all Americans are on the ballot this November”, a reference to mid-term elections.

Senate Republican leader Mitch MCConnell

“This is a historic victory for the constitution and for the most vulnerable in our society. The decision is “courageous and correct”.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

“I am very disappointed because women’s rights must be protected. And I would have expected America to protect such rights.”

British PM Boris Johnson

“I think it’s a big step backwards ... I’ve always believed in a woman’s right to choose and I stick to that view and that is why the UK has the laws that it does.”

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau

“The news coming out of the United States is horrific. No government, politician, or man should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body.”

Former president Donald Trump, a Republican

“This is following the constitution, and giving rights back when they should have been given long ago ... This brings everything back to the states where it has always belonged.”

Former president Barack Obama, a Democrat

“Today, the Supreme Court not only reversed nearly 50 years of precedent, it relegated the most intensely personal decision someone can make to the whims of politicians and ideologues _ attacking the essential freedoms of millions of Americans.”

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2022