Yellen’s comments drew criticism from Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who said her assessment of the economic consequences of the abortion debate was “harsh” for such a painful issue.
Access to health care, including abortion, “helped increase labor force participation. It allowed many women to finish school. That increased their earning potential. It allowed women to plan and balance their families,” she argued.
Yellen said the move would have lasting effects on children, especially those born to low-income women, who would be more likely to “grow up poor and worsen” their situation.
Days ago, a draft of the final decision of the United States Supreme Court was leaked and disclosed in local media in which it seemed determined to annul the ruling “Roe v. Wade” that legalized abortion in 1973. Later, some magistrates argued that it was not a final resolution and that it was still to be evaluated.
The high court is dominated by conservatives placed especially during the previous government of Republican Donald Trump (2017-2021).
Abortion is one of the issues that has generated the most divisions and controversy in recent years in the United States. But according to a survey released Friday by the Pew Research Center, 61% of Americans believe that abortion should remain legal in all or most cases.
With information from Reuters and AFP
