Janet Yellen warns that scrapping abortion laws would have “detrimental effects” on the US economy and “set women decades back”.
- Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that scrapping abortion laws would hurt the US economy and “set women back decades”.
- “I believe that taking away women’s right to make decisions about when and if they have children would have a very detrimental impact on the economy and would set women back decades,” she said
- She was asked about a draft Supreme Court Opinion that included Roe v. Wade would pick up
- Republican Senator Tim Scott disputed Yellen’s claim
- “I just want to say that as a man who was raised by a black woman in abject poverty, I am grateful to be here as a United States Senator,” he said
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned on Tuesday that scrapping abortion laws would hurt the US economy and “set women back decades”.
“I believe that removing women’s right to choose when and whether to have children would have a very detrimental impact on the economy and would set women back decades,” she said at a Senate Banking Committee hearing.
Yellen was asked about the Supreme Court’s draft opinion showing the judges allowed Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion, and the impact such a decision would have on the economy.
“It allowed many women to finish school, which increased their earning potential, and allowed women to plan and balance their families and careers,” Yellen said of the case. “And the research also shows that it had a beneficial impact on children’s well-being and earnings.”
“There are many research studies that have been conducted over the years to examine the economic impact of having or not having access to abortion. And it makes it clear that denying women access to abortion increases their chances of living in poverty,” she added.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned that scrapping abortion laws would hurt the US economy and “set women back decades”.
After the draft Supreme Court opinion was released, protests spread across the country, including outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in Alexandria, Virginia.
Politico’s release of the draft advisory — which could be amended before it was officially announced at the end of this summer’s Supreme Court session — sparked a nationwide uproar.
Democrats have pushed for federal legislation to secure abortion. Republicans claimed the leak was made to try to use public opinion and protests to pressure the judiciary.
Protests have erupted across the country, with demonstrators cordoning off the homes of Supreme Court justices in Washington DC. The Supreme Court itself has become a focal point with daily protests. Fences were erected around the building.
However, in Tuesday’s hearing, Republican Senator Tim Scott contested Yellen’s allegation.
He said abortion around labor force participation “feels callous to me”.
“That means children are growing up poor and they’re worse off themselves,” Yellen said. “It’s not hard. That’s the truth.’
Scott pointed out that he grew up in poverty and was glad to be there.
“I just want to say that as a man who was raised by a black woman in abject poverty, I am grateful to be here as a United States Senator,” he said.
Democrats on Capitol Hill are working to legislate abortion rights.
The House of Representatives has already passed legislation that the Senate plans to tackle this week.
The question mark for Senate Democrats remains moderate Senator Joe Manchin, who has voted against similar legislation in the past.
He said Monday he will “wait and see” what Democrats have to say before announcing how he will vote on the latest bill.
With Manchin on the fence, it’s unclear if Democrats will even get all 50 senators in their own caucus to vote on the Women’s Health Protection Act — far fewer than the 60 needed by members of both parties to pass one override Republican filibuster threat.
Republican Senator Tim Scott dismissed Yellen’s claim: “All I’m saying is that as a man who was raised by a black woman in abject poverty, I’m grateful to be here as a United States Senator,” he said
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin said he will “wait and see” what Democrats say before deciding how to vote on the Senate abortion bill
Fences were erected around the Supreme Court building
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday filed a statement on the Women’s Health Protection Act, which “prohibits state restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services,” according to the text of the bill.
A Senate vote is expected on Wednesday — and with the filibuster intact, the legislation will fail.
“Let me be clear: this week’s vote is not an abstract exercise, this is as real and as high as it can be, and Senate Republicans will be able to hide no longer from the horror they have unleashed on women in America. ‘ Schumer said.
Republicans want the matter to be decided by the states, and that’s where it would end up if the Supreme Court ruled Roe v. Wade ultimately knocks out.
