Benedict Cumberbatch Parodies the Leaked Roe v. Wade Opinion on "SNL"

On the May 7 episode of "Saturday Night Live," host Benedict Cumberbatch teamed up with cast members Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon, Chris Redd, Andrew Dismukes, and James Austin Johnson to parody the leaked Roe v. Wade opinion draft. As "SNL" points out in the beginning of the sketch, in the opinion, Justice Samuel Alito referenced "a treatise from 13th Century England" as support for his anti-abortion ruling. Accordingly, the show sent its cast back in time to "that profound moment" in the 13th century when the treatise was written.

Cumberbatch, Dismukes, and Johnson play three men with very silly haircuts, deeply misogynistic views, and basically no knowledge of biology or sexual health. They banter about why abortion should be illegal. Strong appears as a woman who has some relevant opinions to share, but of course, the men don't listen to her. Redd also tries to sway their decision, but as a Black man, he's also ignored. Finally, McKinnon enters as a woman who can see the future, and she has words of comfort — and concern.

It's not the first time "SNL" has addressed abortion and reproductive rights this season. Back in November, Strong did a "Weekend Update" segment about "clown abortion" that went viral online for its perfect combination of comedy and pain.

Since the SCOTUS draft leaked on May 2, many celebrities and politicians have spoken out about the possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned. Olivia Rodrigo addressed the crowd at her Washington DC concert on May 4, saying, "Because we're in DC, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to say how heartbroken I am over the Supreme Court's potential decision. Our bodies should never be in the hands of politicians. I hope we can raise our voices to protect our right to have a safe abortion, which is a right that so many people before us have worked so hard to get."

Phoebe Bridgers also shared that she had an abortion in 2022, tweeting, "I went to Planned Parenthood where they gave me the abortion pill. It was easy. Everyone deserves that kind of access."