• The Obamas criticized the possibility that a conservative-led Supreme Court may overturn abortion rights.
  • Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama released a lengthy joint statement.
  • The couple says that a post-Roe America is "a result none of us should want."

Former President Barack Obama on Tuesday blasted a draft Supreme Court opinion that would overturn abortion rights, arguing that the consequences of that decision would affect every American.

"That's a result none of us should want. But it should serve as a powerful reminder of the central role the courts play in protecting our rights — and of the fact that elections have consequences," Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said in a lengthy joint statement.

Unlike former President Donald Trump, Obama is much pickier about when he decides to publicly speak out about political issues. Tuesday's statement underlined the historic nature of the moment America faces if it is indeed true that a majority of Supreme Court justices are ready to overturn a landmark precedent and strip away the guarantee for a federal right to an abortion.

The Obamas wrote that the Supreme Court in the past has tried to strike a balance when presented with complicated questions. On the topic of abortions, they pointed out that subsequent rulings after 1973's Roe v. Wade have upheld some state restrictions on abortion.

"But this draft decision doesn't seek to balance these interests," they wrote. "Instead, it simply forces folks to give up any constitutionally recognized interest in what happens to their body once they get pregnant. Under the Court's logic, state legislatures could dictate that women carry every pregnancy to term, no matter how early it is and no matter what circumstances led to it — even rape or incest."

Politico published on Monday night what was later confirmed to be an authentic draft opinion. In the draft, Justice Samuel Alito writes for a conservative majority that the court previously erred in its rulings in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

The Obamas closed their message with a plea for more people to get involved in the election process, a familiar refrain for Democrats who have few alternatives when it comes to preserving nationwide abortion rights.

"We're asking you to join with the activists who've been sounding the alarm on this issue for years — and act. Stand with them at a local protest. Volunteer with them on a campaign," they wrote. "Join with them in urging Congress to codify Roe into law. And vote alongside them on or before November 8 and in every other election."

Read the original article on Business Insider