Since the overturning of the famous Roe vs. Wade decision on June 24th, 2022, abortion has become one of the most hotly debated topics across the country. On Tuesday, September 13th Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina introduced legislation that would enforce a 15 week abortion ban nationwide. This push to ban abortion nationwide comes after efforts by many conservative states to ban or severely restrict abortion, including in Graham’s home state of South Carolina.

While the Democratic Party currently holds the majority in the House and Senate, giving the new bill no real chance of passing, midterm elections are quickly approaching and this precedent could change. According to the Washington Post, Lindsey Graham stated, “I think we should have a law at the federal level that would say, after 15 weeks, no abortion on demand except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.” Graham went on to say that if the House and Senate were to flip to the Republicans in the midterms elections he would push for a vote on the bill immediately. 

This legislation has not only outraged Democrats in congress, but multiple Republicans have also spoken out against this bill. CBS News quoted US Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell as saying, “I think most of the members in my conference prefer that this be dealt with at the state level.” The White House also spoke out against this bill on Tuesday at a press conference claiming that the bill is “wildly out of step with what Americans believe.”