The decision made by the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, revoking the constitutional right to abortion has raised anger and criticism by world leaders.
The court's ruling has been described as 'horrific' and 'appalling' by human rights advocates as well as politicians around the world. Following the ruling, protests have taken place in major cities in Europe including London, Paris and Edinburgh.
Minutes after the decision was announced, Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said:
"One of the darkest days for women's rights in my lifetime."
UK's Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said that the decision:
"clearly has massive impacts on people's thinking around the world."
Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau said that:
"No government, politician, or man should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body."
While French Prime Minister, Emmanuel Macron, stated:
"Abortion is a fundamental right for all women. It must be protected. I express my solidarity with the women whose freedoms are today challenged by the Supreme Court of the United States of America."
The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was made after the court voted 6 to 3 to uphold a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Five judges also voted to overturn Roe 50 years after it was first implemented.
The United States is now one of the three countries restricting access to abortion in the 21st century.
[Based on reporting by: Washington Post]
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