The executive order came in response to Democratic criticism of Biden’s inaction. Biden has been largely silent on the issue since the Supreme Court ruling in late June, saying he was powerless to restore constitutional protections for abortion and instead urging Congress to pass reproductive rights legislation. The effort to delay the issue on Capitol Hill has angered some of Biden’s allies, since his party lacks the necessary majority to pass such legislation. Democratic lawmakers have urged the president to open abortion clinics on federal land or support efforts to expand the Supreme Court to oust its conservative justices. The White House dismissed both proposals as unworkable. Mr. Biden addressed criticism within his own party as he addressed reporters at the White House on Friday. “I know it’s disappointing and it pissed off a lot of people,” she said, but added that an increased Democratic majority in Congress was the “fastest route” to restoring a woman’s right to choose.
