By Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – The U.S. Supreme Court’s draft opinion suggested that it was prepared to reverse 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling establishing the right of abortion. This prompted progressive Democrats to call for an end to the Senate’s filibuster rules.

“Congress must now pass legislation to codify Roe v. Wade in the United States. And if there aren’t 60 votes in the Senate to do it, and there are not, we must end the filibuster to pass it with 50 votes,” Independent Senator Bernie Sanders said on Twitter (NYSE:).

Democrats struggled to amend or repeal the filibuster rule, which requires 60 votes to pass legislation in the 100 member chamber. It was a longstanding rule. Democrats are trying to avoid their narrow majority.

This move has proven to be a political failure and may backfire on Democrats. However, Republicans are likely to win majority control in November’s Senate elections. Republicans could have a clear path to new abortion limits if they repeal the filibuster.

Sanders wasn’t the only one calling for the end of the filibuster. Republicans use it to stop major Biden initiatives.

“It’s high time we do it,” chimed in Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter.

Sanders and Ocasio Cortez, as well pro-choice politicians, and organizations like NARAL face difficult odds of loosing control over the Senate filibuster.

The Democratic Senators Joe Manchin, Kyrsten Silena and Kyrsten Johnson fought against the elimination of the filibuster in January so that the Senate could approve voting rights reforms.

Manchin, a staunch opponent of abortion rights, did not show any signs of relenting on Tuesday in his opposition to the rules changes to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision and allow for abortion to be legalized through legislation.

Manchin stated to reporters that the filibuster was the only safeguard against the majority of senators trying to steamroll the minority.

Sinema was a cosponsor for legislation to protect abortion services. She argued last year in an opinion piece published by the Washington Post that filibusters promote “moderation.” She and an aide weren’t immediately available to comment Tuesday.

Without Sinema or Manchin, Democrats do not see any pathway for Democrats to alter the filibuster nor pass legislation on abortion.

No. Dick Durbin (2nd Senate Democrat), who oversees the counting of votes in controversial cases, stated this on Tuesday.

Durbin answered Reuters’ question about whether he could see any other avenue to change the filibuster rule. “After speaking with two senators, I will tell you.” Durbin didn’t mention Sinema or Manchin by name.