Kamala Harris calls US Supreme Court threat to Roe v Wade an 'assault on freedom'


  • English
  • Arabic

US Vice President Kamala Harris attacked a potential Supreme Court overruling of Roe v Wade and criticised Republicans for "weaponising" the issue after the divisive topic was thrust into the spotlight for the midterm elections.

"If the court overturns Roe v Wade, it will be a direct assault on freedom," Ms Harris told attendees at a gala hosted by Emily's List, an organisation that works to get pro-choice Democrats elected to office.

"Some Republican leaders are trying to weaponise the use of the law against women," Ms Harris said.

  • US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Emily's List gala in Washington. Getty Images / AFP
    US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Emily's List gala in Washington. Getty Images / AFP
  • Ms Harris spoke at the 30th anniversary celebration of the pro-choice organisation a day after a published report revealed that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the 1973 landmark Roe v Wade case, which created a constitutional right to abortion. Getty Images / AFP
    Ms Harris spoke at the 30th anniversary celebration of the pro-choice organisation a day after a published report revealed that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the 1973 landmark Roe v Wade case, which created a constitutional right to abortion. Getty Images / AFP
  • Kamala Harris said: 'If the court overturns Roe v Wade, it will be a direct assault on freedom, on the fundamental right of self-determination to which all Americans are entitled.' Getty Images / AFP
    Kamala Harris said: 'If the court overturns Roe v Wade, it will be a direct assault on freedom, on the fundamental right of self-determination to which all Americans are entitled.' Getty Images / AFP
  • 'Those Republican leaders who are trying to weaponise the use of the law against women, well, we say, how dare they?' Ms Harris said. Getty Images / AFP
    'Those Republican leaders who are trying to weaponise the use of the law against women, well, we say, how dare they?' Ms Harris said. Getty Images / AFP
  • US Vice President Kamala Harris. Getty Images / AFP
    US Vice President Kamala Harris. Getty Images / AFP
  • Ms Harris called for unity 'in this fight ... if you stand for freedom, for self-determination, for the right to privacy, if you stand for these principles, stand with us'. AFP
    Ms Harris called for unity 'in this fight ... if you stand for freedom, for self-determination, for the right to privacy, if you stand for these principles, stand with us'. AFP
  • Abortion-rights activists and supporters protest outside Philadelphia's federal courthouse on May 3, 2022, in response to the leak of a draft opinion on a potential Supreme Court vote to overturn Roe v Wade. The Philadelphia Inquirer / AP
    Abortion-rights activists and supporters protest outside Philadelphia's federal courthouse on May 3, 2022, in response to the leak of a draft opinion on a potential Supreme Court vote to overturn Roe v Wade. The Philadelphia Inquirer / AP
  • Abortion rights campaigners outside the US Federal Courthouse in Tucson, Arizona. Reuters
    Abortion rights campaigners outside the US Federal Courthouse in Tucson, Arizona. Reuters
  • Alexandra Murphy, of Oakland, dresses as former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg while attending a protest outside the Ronald V Dellums federal building in Oakland, California. San Francisco Chronicle / AP
    Alexandra Murphy, of Oakland, dresses as former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg while attending a protest outside the Ronald V Dellums federal building in Oakland, California. San Francisco Chronicle / AP
  • Martha Kreeger alongside abortion-rights activists and supporters during a protest. San Francisco Chronicle / AP
    Martha Kreeger alongside abortion-rights activists and supporters during a protest. San Francisco Chronicle / AP
  • Demonstrators during an abortion-rights protest in San Francisco, California. Bloomberg
    Demonstrators during an abortion-rights protest in San Francisco, California. Bloomberg

"How dare they. How dare they tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her own body. How dare they try to stop her from determining her own future. How dare they try to deny women their rights and their freedoms?"

The vice president's remarks come after a document leaked late on Monday night showed the Supreme Court is poised to overturn the 1973 Roe v Wade decision, which protects a women's right to abortion.

The draft, published by Politico, showed that five conservative Supreme Court Justices – with the majority opinion written by Samuel Alito – had voted to strike down the abortion ruling. Chief Justice John Roberts on Tuesday confirmed the document's authenticity.

“We’re not going back. We are not going back,” the vice president declared.

Ms Harris was scheduled to deliver remarks at the organisation before the leak, but the looming decision of the court brought added significance to her address.

Her speech signalled the Joe Biden administration's staunchest defence of abortion rights since the leaked publication.

“It has never been more clear which party wants to expand our rights and which party wants to restrict them,” she said in her speech. “It has never been more clear. It has never been more clear which party wants to lead us forward, and which party wants to push us back.”

Already, Democratic leaders have sought to rally their voters around the threat that abortion will soon be outlawed in many states. Midterm elections in November that will decide control of Congress had so far hinged on inflation, immigration, education and the coronavirus pandemic, and the Democratic party appeared to be facing defeat.

Changing the topic to abortion and women’s health may alter the political landscape, because polls have consistently shown a majority of Americans oppose overturning Roe.

The overturning of Roe v Wade would immediately end constitutional protections for abortion rights and trigger new laws and restrictions. Federal legislation could also limit or eliminate access to abortion in states where it is still available.

Ms Harris said that in 13 states, “women would lose access to abortion immediate and outright” if the court goes through with overturning Roe.

Previous Democratic efforts to codify Roe into law have failed, because the party does not have enough support to overcome the Senate's 60-vote filibuster threshold that would open the door to enact legislation.

Ms Harris called on allied Americans to “link arms in this fight. If you stand for freedom, for self-determination, for the right to privacy, if you stand for these principles, stand with us".

“Let us fight for our country, and for the principles upon which it was founded, and let us fight with everything we have got,” she said.

Roe v Wade protests in Washington

  • A woman wears a 'Keep Abortion Safe and Legal' sweatshirt outside the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    A woman wears a 'Keep Abortion Safe and Legal' sweatshirt outside the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • A young woman holds a sign that reads 'Abortion is a human right' in front the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    A young woman holds a sign that reads 'Abortion is a human right' in front the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • A woman holds a sign that reads: Catholics support abortion access in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    A woman holds a sign that reads: Catholics support abortion access in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • Savana Deretich a member of the group Students for Life of America records a video on her phone. Willy Lowry / The National
    Savana Deretich a member of the group Students for Life of America records a video on her phone. Willy Lowry / The National
  • A woman makes pro-choice prints in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    A woman makes pro-choice prints in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • A pro-life protester squares off with two pro-choice demonstrators. Willy Lowry / The National
    A pro-life protester squares off with two pro-choice demonstrators. Willy Lowry / The National
  • Pro-choice supporters gather in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    Pro-choice supporters gather in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • Pro-choice supporters gather in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    Pro-choice supporters gather in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • A pro-choice protester squares off with two pro-choice demonstrators. Willy Lowry / The National
    A pro-choice protester squares off with two pro-choice demonstrators. Willy Lowry / The National
  • A pro-life supporter stands in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    A pro-life supporter stands in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • Members of the pro-choice group Students for Life of America pose in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    Members of the pro-choice group Students for Life of America pose in front of the Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
  • A woman makes fliers. Willy Lowry / The National
    A woman makes fliers. Willy Lowry / The National
  • People gather in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Willy Lowry / The National
    People gather in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Willy Lowry / The National
  • Pro-choice supporters pose in front of the US Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National
    Pro-choice supporters pose in front of the US Supreme Court. Willy Lowry / The National

Agencies contributed to this report

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

How to avoid crypto fraud
  • Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
  • Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
  • Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
  • Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
  • Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
  • Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
  • Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
UJDA CHAMAN

Produced: Panorama Studios International

Directed: Abhishek Pathak

Cast: Sunny Singh, Maanvi Gagroo, Grusha Kapoor, Saurabh Shukla

Rating: 3.5 /5 stars

TWISTERS

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos

Rating: 2.5/5

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

About Tenderd

Started: May 2018

Founder: Arjun Mohan

Based: Dubai

Size: 23 employees 

Funding: Raised $5.8m in a seed fund round in December 2018. Backers include Y Combinator, Beco Capital, Venturesouq, Paul Graham, Peter Thiel, Paul Buchheit, Justin Mateen, Matt Mickiewicz, SOMA, Dynamo and Global Founders Capital

THE SPECS

Engine: AMG-enhanced 3.0L inline-6 turbo with EQ Boost and electric auxiliary compressor

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 429hp

Torque: 520Nm​​​​​​​

Price: Dh360,200 (starting)

Apple%20Mac%20through%20the%20years
%3Cp%3E1984%20-%20Apple%20unveiled%20the%20Macintosh%20on%20January%2024%3Cbr%3E1985%20-%20Steve%20Jobs%20departed%20from%20Apple%20and%20established%20NeXT%3Cbr%3E1986%20-%20Apple%20introduced%20the%20Macintosh%20Plus%2C%20featuring%20enhanced%20memory%3Cbr%3E1987%20-%20Apple%20launched%20the%20Macintosh%20II%2C%20equipped%20with%20colour%20capabilities%3Cbr%3E1989%20-%20The%20widely%20acclaimed%20Macintosh%20SE%2F30%20made%20its%20debut%3Cbr%3E1994%20-%20Apple%20presented%20the%20Power%20Macintosh%3Cbr%3E1996%20-%20The%20Macintosh%20System%20Software%20OS%20underwent%20a%20rebranding%20as%20Mac%20OS%3Cbr%3E2001%20-%20Apple%20introduced%20Mac%20OS%20X%2C%20marrying%20Unix%20stability%20with%20a%20user-friendly%20interface%3Cbr%3E2006%20-%20Apple%20adopted%20Intel%20processors%20in%20MacBook%20Pro%20laptops%3Cbr%3E2008%20-%20Apple%20introduced%20the%20MacBook%20Air%2C%20a%20lightweight%20laptop%3Cbr%3E2012%20-%20Apple%20launched%20the%20MacBook%20Pro%20with%20a%20retina%20display%3Cbr%3E2016%20-%20The%20Mac%20operating%20system%20underwent%20rebranding%20as%20macOS%3Cbr%3E2020%20-%20Apple%20introduced%20the%20M1%20chip%20for%20Macs%2C%20combining%20high%20performance%20and%20energy%20efficiency%3Cbr%3E2022%20-%20The%20M2%20chip%20was%20announced%3Cbr%3E2023%20-The%20M3%20line-up%20of%20chip%20was%20announced%20to%20improve%20performance%20and%20add%20new%20capabilities%20for%20Mac.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Ireland v Denmark: The last two years

Denmark 1-1 Ireland 

7/06/19, Euro 2020 qualifier 

Denmark 0-0 Ireland

19/11/2018, Nations League

Ireland 0-0 Denmark

13/10/2018, Nations League

Ireland 1 Denmark 5

14/11/2017, World Cup qualifier

Denmark 0-0 Ireland

11/11/2017, World Cup qualifier

 

 

 

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Book%20Details
%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3EThree%20Centuries%20of%20Travel%20Writing%20by%20Muslim%20Women%3C%2Fem%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEditors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESiobhan%20Lambert-Hurley%2C%20Daniel%20Majchrowicz%2C%20Sunil%20Sharma%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIndiana%20University%20Press%3B%20532%20pages%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
CABINET%20OF%20CURIOSITIES%20EPISODE%201%3A%20LOT%2036
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGuillermo%20del%20Toro%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Tim%20Blake%20Nelson%2C%20Sebastian%20Roche%2C%20Elpidia%20Carrillo%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe

For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.

Golden Dallah

For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.

Al Mrzab Restaurant

For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.

Al Derwaza

For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup. 

Freezer tips

  • Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
  • If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
  • Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
  • The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press

'Morbius'

Director: Daniel Espinosa 

Stars: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona

Rating: 2/5

How%20I%20connect%20with%20my%20kids%20when%20working%20or%20travelling
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3ELittle%20notes%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMy%20girls%20often%20find%20a%20letter%20from%20me%2C%20with%20a%20joke%2C%20task%20or%20some%20instructions%20for%20the%20afternoon%2C%20and%20saying%20what%20I%E2%80%99m%20excited%20for%20when%20I%20get%20home.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPhone%20call%20check-in%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMy%20kids%20know%20that%20at%203.30pm%20I%E2%80%99ll%20be%20free%20for%20a%20quick%20chat.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHighs%20and%20lows%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EInstead%20of%20a%20%E2%80%9Chow%20was%20your%20day%3F%E2%80%9D%2C%20at%20dinner%20or%20at%20bathtime%20we%20share%20three%20highlights%3B%20one%20thing%20that%20didn%E2%80%99t%20go%20so%20well%3B%20and%20something%20we%E2%80%99re%20looking%20forward%20to.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%20start%2C%20you%20next%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIn%20the%20morning%2C%20I%20often%20start%20a%20little%20Lego%20project%20or%20drawing%2C%20and%20ask%20them%20to%20work%20on%20it%20while%20I%E2%80%99m%20gone%2C%20then%20we%E2%80%99ll%20finish%20it%20together.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBedtime%20connection%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWake%20up%20and%20sleep%20time%20are%20important%20moments.%20A%20snuggle%2C%20some%20proud%20words%2C%20listening%2C%20a%20story.%20I%20can%E2%80%99t%20be%20there%20every%20night%2C%20but%20I%20can%20start%20the%20day%20with%20them.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EUndivided%20attention%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPutting%20the%20phone%20away%20when%20I%20get%20home%20often%20means%20sitting%20in%20the%20car%20to%20send%20a%20last%20email%2C%20but%20leaving%20it%20out%20of%20sight%20between%20home%20time%20and%20bedtime%20means%20you%20can%20connect%20properly.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDemystify%2C%20don%E2%80%99t%20demonise%20your%20job%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHelp%20them%20understand%20what%20you%20do%2C%20where%20and%20why.%20Show%20them%20your%20workplace%20if%20you%20can%2C%20then%20it%E2%80%99s%20not%20so%20abstract%20when%20you%E2%80%99re%20away%20-%20they%E2%80%99ll%20picture%20you%20there.%20Invite%20them%20into%20your%20%E2%80%9Cother%E2%80%9D%20world%20so%20they%20know%20more%20about%20the%20different%20roles%20you%20have.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHayvn%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Flinos%2C%20Ahmed%20Ismail%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efinancial%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eundisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2044%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseries%20B%20in%20the%20second%20half%20of%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHilbert%20Capital%2C%20Red%20Acre%20Ventures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: May 04, 2022, 2:54 PM