Senate blocks bill to codify abortion rights | First Thing

In a 49-51 vote, with all Republicans and one conservative Democrat, Joe Manchin, voting against the measure, majority leader Chuck Schumer warns that it will be open season' on people's freedoms

• Don't already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here

Good morning.

Republicans have blocked legislation in the US Senate that would codify the right to an abortion into federal law, in advance of an anticipated supreme court decision striking down the protections enshrined by Roe v Wade.

If we do not take a stand now to protect a woman's right to choose, then mark my words, it will be open season, open season on our God-given freedoms," majority leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech before a vote.

Already, advocates of reproductive medicine are warning that in vitro fertilization treatment could be a casualty" of some of the proposed anti-abortion laws that are emerging across the US.