Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on Senate Vote on Women’s Health Protection Act

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) issued the following statement after a Republican filibuster blocked the Senate passage of the Women’s Health Protection Act: 

"Last week’s leaked draft opinion made it clear that the right-wing Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade as soon as next month. The ability of anyone to make choices regarding their own body is a fundamental, constitutional right, and time is running out to protect that right. Unfortunately, with today’s vote on the Women’s Health Protection Act, Senate Republicans have made it clear that they have no desire to do so.  

"The Republican war on reproductive freedom does not end with this vote, nor does it end with the Supreme Court’s draft opinion. In a post-Roe world, half of American women could lose their reproductive freedom. 28 states are likely to eliminate or restrict abortion rights, 13 of which have already passed “trigger laws” that will immediately ban abortion the moment the Supreme Court allows it. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has even expressed openness to a nation-wide abortion ban. 

"The consequences of overturning Roe will be most burdensome for those Americans who already face systemic barriers to health care. While the wealthy, privileged few will always be able to receive abortion care, others will be forced to carry pregnancies and give birth against their will. 

"I have supported abortion rights since my first days as a public servant, but today, I am more committed than ever to defending the right to choose. I will not allow my country to treat half the population as second-class citizens. Any American, in any state, deserves the right to receive an abortion for any reason."