The US Supreme Court's momentous decision on Friday to ban all forms of abortion bucked a global trend toward more liberal reproductive rights and brought rare criticism from some of America's closest friends.
The ruling came one day after the Supreme Court also overturned some of the modest gun control laws, which is a long-standing concern given that the US upholds the death sentence.
Leaders and organisations from all over the world have shown support for women in the US, including former US President Barack Obama and the United Nations (UN), French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Even Justin Trudeau, the leader of Canada, described the news as "horrific."
Roe v. Wade, a key ruling that established a constitutional right to abortion in the nation at least 50 years ago, was overruled by the US Supreme Court on Friday. Former US President Barack Obama condemned the action and referred to it as an assault on the fundamental liberties of millions of people. 'My heart goes out to the millions,' Trudeau said, adding that the 'fear and anger' would be unfathomable. He also expressed concern for the women in the US.
Michelle Bachelet, the head of the UN's human rights office, stated in a statement that the US court's judgement was major setback' and a 'huge blow to women's human rights and gender equality'. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that restricting abortion access does not stop people seeking the procedure, 'it only makes it more deadly'.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson noted that the US SC ruling was a 'big step backwards'. During a news conference, Johnson said, 'I think it's a big step backwards ' I've always believed in a woman's right to choose and I stick to that view and that is why the UK has the laws that it does.'