The U.S. Supreme Court today officially reversed Roe v. Wade by a vote of 6-3, declaring that the constitutional right to abortion no longer exists.
A protest is planned for this evening in Doylestown.
The decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which had been expected, elicited comments from Pennsylvania state legislators on both sides of the aisle.
State Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10), said in part, “The Supreme Court’s ruling … has thrown out a fundamental constitutional protection for millions of Americans – one that has existed for nearly 50 years. This is unacceptable.
“The Court’s opinion today to overturn Roe v. Wade is not in line with the majority of Americans who share the view that women should have a right to pregnancy decisions.
“...While abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania today, Republicans in our legislature will make every effort to overturn women’s reproductive rights here in the Commonwealth. We have come too far to turn back the clock now.”
Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) issued the following statement:
“Today’s Supreme Court ruling reestablishes the authority of states to regulate abortion. The ruling once again makes clear it is the authority of individual states to establish laws that are in the best interest of their residents.
“It is important to point out Pennsylvania’s Abortion Control Act remains in effect, and places firm restrictions on abortions in our Commonwealth including a ban on all late-term abortion procedures.
“This ruling presents a necessary opportunity to examine our existing abortion law, and discussions around possible changes are already underway.”
State Sen. Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery/Bucks, Democratic Caucus Secretary), said in part, “While this decision was expected, it is no less devastating. After nearly 50 years of legal precedent, we are seeing nothing less than a rollback of our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy.
“What’s next? Dobbs flat-out invites challenges of other hard-won rights – including the right to access contraception and the right to marry whomever you love, regardless of their race or gender. And while today it is the so-called “Left” that’s reeling, this decision has the potential to impact rights like the right to refuse vaccinations and the right to home-school one’s children.”
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