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The issue of abortion and reproductive healthcare is among the issues at stake in the United States as the public gears up for the coming midterm elections in November. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi mocked Republicans following the plan by a GOP senator to introduce a national ban on the procedure.
During the weekly press conference Wednesday, Pelosi highlighted that the national abortion ban South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham is planning to introduce is not just to restrict the procedure but to criminalize it. Pelosi went on to cite that other Republicans appeared to dampen Graham’s plans, noting the internal divisions in the GOP.
“The extreme MAGA Republicans gathered to unveil their latest bill to criminalize women’s health in all 50 states,” said Pelosi. “The bill calls for a penalty of five years, in federal prison, for doctors performing abortions.”
Pelosi called the issue a “freedom issue” and “democracy issue” as well as a “kitchen table issue” for the country’s working families. The top House Democrat added that a bill to codify the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling previously passed the House without any Republican support.
Regarding Graham’s national abortion plan, Pelosi mocked some Republicans who claim that all fertilized eggs should gain full personhood rights.
“I think what you’re seeing is a conflict within the Republican Party,” said Pelosi. “There are those in the party that think life begins at a candlelight dinner the night before and these people are in defiance of that, right?”
The upcoming midterm elections in November will also determine whether the Democratic Party retains its majority in the House and the Senate.
On the same day, Punchbowl News reported Pelosi, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn all appeared to predict that Democrats would maintain control of the House and add more seats to their majority.
Pelosi is set to go on another overseas trip, this time to Armenia, according to Politico. Pelosi will be heading to Armenia to show support for the country after the recent clashes between its forces and Azerbaijan.
Pelosi will be accompanied by Democratic Rep. Jackie Speier on the trip, following a stop in Berlin for the G7 Speakers Summit.
In Armenia, Pelosi will be meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan and other officials.
