WASHINGTON, Oct 18, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - President Joe Biden on Tuesday vowed that the first bill he'll sign into law next year if Democrats retain control of Congress in midterm elections will be to enshrine nationwide abortion rights.

"The first bill I'll send to Congress will be to codify Roe v. Wade," Biden said in a speech, referring to the landmark Supreme Court ruling from half a century ago that legalized abortion everywhere in the country, before being overturned by the court this June.

Democrats are struggling in a fight to retain their narrow control of the legislature in the November 8 election.