President Joe Biden said, "It's a sad day for the Court and for the country," and that "the health and life of women in this nation are now at risk".[184] Former president Barack Obama criticized the ruling as "attacking the essential freedoms of millions of Americans."[185][186] Attorney General Merrick Garland criticized the ruling in a statement and warned states to not forbid women to seek out-of-state abortions.[187] HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra called the decision "unconscionable" and said that abortion is an essential part of healthcare.[188] The decision is viewed by Elizabeth Warren[189][190] as the majority of the Supreme Court allowing religious affiliations to dictate their ruling in violation of the First Amendment.