{O/C} Kansas demonstrated today that salvaging abortion rights is still possible without Roe v. Wade.
This, after a record number of voters cast their ballots in the August primary in favour of abortion.
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{Upsound 00:00 - 00:02}
A resolute display of defiance by triumphant voters of Republican-dominated Kansas.
59 percent of voters, more than the turnout rates in presidential elections, voted in the August primary to protect the constitutional right to an abortion, presently legal up to 22 weeks.
{Soundbite}
Abortion Rights Advocate:
Relief, excitement, joy.
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Abortion Rights Advocate:
We will not let the government overreach into our personal rights. We just won't. We said no.
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This apparently stacks the odds against Republicans, given the votes in favour prevailed by nearly 20 percent.
And with that, a measure that would have allowed the Republican-controlled Legislature to tighten the screws on abortion procedures was thwarted.
It made for crumbs of comfort for Democrats, who are hoping to clutch Kansas again in November.
Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer insists Democrats now have bragging rights.
President Joe Biden also signed off on a bill allowing women to travel elsewhere for abortions.
{Soundbite}
JOE BIDEN, U.S. President:
The voters of Kansas sent a powerful signal that this fall, the American people will vote to preserve and protect the right and refuse to let them be ripped away by politicians.
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But abortion rights opponents refuse to be fobbed off.
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DANIELLE UNDERWOOD, "Value Them Both" Coalition:
This is something that's of a long-term effort, of course.
We are in this because we believe very strongly in protecting both women and babies.
{Upsound 01:36 - 01:37}
{VO}
The plebiscite's result reveals widespread outrage over the Supreme Court's decision to outlaw abortion nationwide.
It also presents Democrats with a much-needed reprieve from the onslaughts of the pandemic, war and inflation, ahead of the mid-term elections this fall.
While Republicans may be dispirited for now, experts warn rocketing inflation and plunging approval ratings of the president remain the most merciless foes yet to be vanquished.
{Soundbite}
AMY WALTER, Cook Political Report Editor-in-Chief:
The abortion issue is a motivating one for voters that Democrats need to turn out tovote.
But the economy is looming out there as a very, very big issue for voters, and that's why Republicans have an advantage.
{VO}
Either way, abortion will continue to be the focal point of several elections in six key states, where the the "obliterate abortion rights" belief remains alive and kicking.
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