News
Susan Collins Throws Cold Water on Democrats’ Bill to Protect the Right to Abortion, Because Catholic Hospitals
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, who claims to be an ardent supporter of the right to abortion, will be a “no” vote next week when Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer forces a vote on legislation to codify Roe v. Wade into law.
The Maine Republican voted to confirm right-wing Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, Chief Justice John Roberts, and the justice who is authoring the majority opinion that will strike down Roe v. Wade, Samuel Alito. All are expected to vote to end the constitutional right to abortion.
Ahead of next week’s critical vote, Collins has already signaled she will not support the more than 70 million women in this country considered to be of “reproductive age.”
Why?
Catholic hospitals.
Senator Collins “says she has concerns about the Dems bill to codify Roe v Wade,” reports Punchbowl News’ Jake Sherman. “She said it doesn’t include ‘conscience’ provisions that would allow catholic [sic] hospitals to refuse to perform abortions.”
In February Sen. Collins and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation to do exactly what the Democratic bill would do: codify Roe v. Wade into law.
“I support the abortion rights established by Roe v. Wade and affirmed by Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Our legislation would enshrine these important protections into law without undercutting statutes that have been in place for decades and provide basic conscience protections that are relied upon by health care providers who have religious objections to performing abortions,” Collins said in a press release.
Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance, an NBC News/MSNBC legal analyst, expressed anger over the news.
Well God forbid we should put the rights of American women ahead of hospitals, who’d undoubtedly win in court if they litigated this issue given the trend in 1st amendment litigation over the last decade.
— Joyce Alene (@JoyceWhiteVance) May 5, 2022
The bill would require 60 votes to avoid a filibuster by Republicans. Currently, Democratic Senators Joe Manchin (WV), Kyrsten Sinema (AZ), and Bob Casey (PA) are also considered to be opposed to the legislation.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.