TALLAHASSEE, Fla — On Monday night, Politico reported that a leaked draft shows a Supreme Court decision will overturn Roe v. Wade and end federal protections for abortion.
Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr. said in a press release that the document is legitimate.
President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the leaked draft does not necessarily reflect the final decision of the Court. With that in mind, he said his administration argued before the court in defense of Roe v. Wade and he believes a woman's right to choose is fundamental. He says that the Gender Policy Council and White House Counsel's Office are prepared to react when a ruling is issued.
He also said that he will work to pass and sign any bill that would make Roe federal law.
Florida politicians have released their own statements throughout Monday night and Tuesday. Here's what they've said so far:
Marco Rubio (R-FL): When Bernie Sanders tweeted that he believes congress must pass legislation that makes Roe v. Wade the law of the land, Rubio fired back.
Rick Scott (R-FL): Scott expressed his anger that the documents had been leaked and blamed Democrats.
Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL): Crist, who is running against Gov. Ron DeSantis for governor, said that if Roe V. Wade is overturned, the issue will fall to the states and he believes that should impact people's decisions at the polls.
Rep. Val Demings (D-Florida): Demings said a decision overturning Roe v. Wade would be "appalling and dangerous" and said she would fight to make Roe v. Wade law.
Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon (D-FL-14): The opinion criticizes cases like Roe v. Wade that reference an implicit road to privacy in the 14th Amendment, saying it is not rooted in history. Nixon argues that laws rooted in history are not always what is right.
Nikki Fried (FL Agriculture Commissioner): Fried, who is running in the democratic gubernatorial race to oppose DeSantis, said that women's rights will be component of her campaign. She also joined a pro-choice protest Tuesday afternoon.