Biden calls Roe v. Wade decision a ‘tragic error.’ Ruling ‘must not be the final word’

President Joe Biden on Friday called the Supreme Court’s landmark decision overturning the right to abortion a “tragic error” that would harm the health and well-being of women, and vowed to do everything possible to protect those most affected by the ruling.

“The court has done what it has never done before: expressly take away a constitutional right that is so fundamental to so many Americans that it had already been recognized,” Biden said, speaking from the White House hours after the ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. “The court’s decision to do so will have real and immediate consequences.”

Asserting that the Supreme Court had put the country on an “extreme and dangerous path,” the Democratic president said that other rights — including same-sex marriage and access to contraception — were now also under threat. But he said people opposed to the decision still have a chance to make their voices heard at the ballot box this year when they vote in federal, state and local elections.

“This decision must not be the final word,” Biden said. “My administration will use all of its lawful powers, but Congress must act. And with your vote, you can act. You can have the final word. This is not over.”

Biden called on Congress to pass a law that would let people across the country receive an abortion, though he conceded it likely wouldn’t have the votes to pass. He did say, however, that his administration would act to protect women in states that now outlaw abortion if they choose to receive one in a state where the procedure is legal.

Though the president criticized the court as “extreme,” he urged people angry about its ruling to stick to peaceful protest.

“Violence is never acceptable,” he said.

This story was originally published June 24, 2022 at 1:46 PM.