STATEMENT ON THE SCOTUS LEAK OF DRAFT OPINION OVERTURNING ROE V WADE

Portsmouth, VA — Nadarius Clark, Delegate for Virginia's 79th District, which covers the localities of Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, spoke regarding the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, which established  a Constitutional guarantee of access to abortion as a matter of privacy and bodily autonomy.

“It appears that we are about to take an unprecedented step backward on women's reproductive health. This will lead to the deaths of more mothers across America,” Delegate Clark said of the draft opinion. “Without guaranteed access, states with Republican legislatures will begin moving rapidly to criminalize abortion. Without safeguards on the state level here in Virginia, this means that we are going to have to work even harder to stop anti-choice legislation from making it to the Governor’s desk."

If Roe v. Wade is reversed, abortion would become illegal in 13 states immediately while another 10 states would move to make additional restrictions. Virginia and New Jersey are the only two states in the union that Democrats won by more than 10 points in 2020 with no state law codifying Roe v. Wade should the Supreme Court decision be reversed. 

“While it's unfortunate that Democrats failed to codify Roe v. Wade in Virginia when Democrats maintained power in the House, Senate, and Governor’s mansion,” Clark said about the work that lies ahead in Virginia. “If unfolding events are showing us anything, it's that Virginia must act quickly to protect a woman’s right to choose. When Democrats are back in the majority, I look forward to seeing that very legislation come to the floor.” 

“Elections have consequences. We cannot sit out elections and we must vote for pro-choice candidates. Republicans will not stop at Roe v. Wade. The right to privacy that underlies Roe v. Wade, is the basis for the Constitutional protection of mixed-race and gay marriage, and against forced sterilization, to name just a few examples.. Democrats must draw a hard line or Republicans will continue to push us back into the dark ages. It’s not acceptable and we have the power to stop them.”

“Voters know that challenging times lay ahead that required bold leadership. They know we must codify Roe v. Wade on the federal level, combat the disinformation corroding our Democracy, break congressional gridlock, combat climate change, and relieve student debt. That's why they elected us. My guarantee is that at the state level I will do everything in my power to protect bodily autonomy and I am calling on Biden and the US Senate to do whatever it takes to do the same.”

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