In a significant development on Capitol Hill, Rep. Mike Johnson has been elected as the new Speaker of the House, igniting concerns over the future of abortion rights in the United States. Johnson, known for his staunch anti-abortion stance and close ties to conservative Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, has a track record that has alarmed many advocates for reproductive rights.

Johnson, who previously served on former President Trump's legal team during his first impeachment proceeding, gained notoriety as the "most important architect of the Electoral College objections" that ultimately led to the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, according to the New York Times. He also played a key role in a failed attempt to have the Supreme Court reject electoral votes from Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Critics argue that Johnson's elevation to Speaker raises concerns about the preservation of democracy, given his involvement in challenging the legitimacy of the 2020 election. Allen Morris, policy director for the National LGBTQ Task Force, expressed apprehension, stating, "Americans should consider his track record on the preservation of and maintenance of our very democracy as one that should concern us all."

As Speaker, Johnson will assume vital responsibilities such as setting the House floor schedule, while also wielding informal but influential power in shaping the Republican Party's policy priorities. With all 435 House seats up for reelection next year, along with a third of the Senate and the White House, Johnson's election carries significant implications for the future direction of the party.

Of particular concern for reproductive rights advocates is Johnson's unwavering opposition to abortion access. He argued in the Supreme Court case of Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization that abortion should be a states' rights issue, but has also supported federal legislation imposing gestational limits. In a 2021 hearing, Johnson maintained that "science tells us that the new life she carries is a completely separate and full new human being from the moment of fertilization," emphasizing his anti-abortion stance.

Johnson's position on abortion has drawn criticism from organizations such as Americans for Contraception, who argue that his record shows support for limiting access to essential healthcare services and infringing on personal freedoms. Additionally, Johnson's opposition to the Right to Contraception Act, which the House approved last year before Republicans regained control, further underscores his stance against reproductive rights.

Despite concerns raised by reproductive rights advocates, Johnson's election has been lauded by conservative voices within the Republican Party. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina and a more moderate voice on abortion access, described Johnson's election as a "best case scenario." Former President Trump also expressed his support, stating that Johnson will "be a great Speaker of the House."

The implications of Johnson's speakership extend beyond abortion rights. His involvement in challenges to the 2020 election results and his alignment with the MAGA agenda have led critics, including a spokesperson for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris's reelection campaign, to characterize his election as a "cementing of the extreme MAGA takeover of the House Republican Conference." President Biden, however, reached out to Johnson to offer congratulations and emphasized the importance of finding common ground, despite their disagreements on key issues.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the elevation of Mike Johnson to Speaker of the House raises significant concerns for advocates of reproductive rights. The impact of his anti-abortion stance could have far-reaching implications not just for abortion access, but also for contraception, fertility procedures, and individual freedoms. The battle over these issues is likely to intensify as the 2022 midterms approach and the political landscape continues to shift.