Weeks ago, Sen. Lindsey Graham caused quite a stir when he proposed federal legislation that would outlaw abortion after 15 weeks. This bill is fairly moderate and includes exceptions for incest, rape, and the mother’s health.
Unfortunately, this was proposed after the erasure of Roe v. Wade. The entire premise behind taking down Roe was the argument that abortion should be an issue that states ultimately decide upon, rather than the federal government.
Prior to the end of Roe v. Wade, Graham himself claimed to be in support of states passing their own laws on abortion, without federal involvement.
Because of the premise behind fighting Roe, Virginia GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin opposes Graham’s proposed abortion legislation, as reported by Washington Examiner.
Youngkin on Abortion and States’ Rights
In Virginia, the governor actually is working to pass a 15-week abortion ban, similar to the bill Graham proposed. However, Youngkin made it clear that voters in the states should decide what abortion laws look like.
While making this announcement, the Republican warned about the tendency of the federal government to “overreach,” amid affirming his own personal support for states’ rights.
Talking abortion at @TexasTribune Festival, Youngkin as was asked if he'd push for a stricter ban if he was governing a redder state.
He said he firmly supports exceptions for cases of rape, incest and when the mother's health is at risk.
— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) September 23, 2022
Youngkin made it clear that he’s aware by supporting states’ rights on abortion and opposing any federal involvement, this means Democrat-run states will allow abortion during times that extend well beyond 15 weeks.
This was something everyone was aware of, amid the push for Roe to end. It was readily apparent that red states would likely tighten restrictions on abortion, whereas blue states would do everything in their power to expand the procedure’s availability.
The Timing Factor
After Graham proposed his 15-week federal abortion ban, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stated the GOP wouldn’t be rallying behind this. Like Youngkin, several Republicans have openly come out and said abortion must now be left up to the states.
The time for introducing what’s a fairly moderate abortion ban at the federal level was before the demise of Roe v. Wade.
Now, any federal proposals on abortion will be tainted by the argument that the federal government can’t intervene since abortion is now a states’ rights issue.
Lindsey Graham on August 7: “I've been consistent…States should decide the issue of abortion.”
Lindsey Graham on September 20, defending a national abortion ban: “This is not a states’ rights issue.” pic.twitter.com/MPGRm2wW7r
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) September 20, 2022
Some Republicans also claimed it wasn’t politically expedient for Graham to direct the nation’s attention toward abortion ahead of the midterms.
This is an issue that Democrats are all too eager to campaign upon; they’re also counting on the removal of Roe v. Wade to help them hold onto power in the House and the Senate.
Do you agree with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin that abortion is a matter that needs to be left up to the states? Let us know down below in the comments area what you think about the 15-week abortion bill that Graham proposed in Congress.
This article appeared in The Conservative Brief and has been published here with permission.
