WASHINGTON, D.C. — As of this morning, in a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the ruling that established the constitutional right for individuals to have abortions in 1973.
What does this mean?
Earlier in May, a draft of majority opinion, which was written by Justice Samuel Alito, was leaked to the public which expressed the Supreme Court’s interest in overturning Roe v. Wade. As of today, the right to have an abortion is no longer a matter at the federal level. Instead, it will be left to each individual state to determine abortion rights for citizens.
How will this affect Ohio?
When the draft was initially leaked, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost stated that in the event that the 1973 ruling was overturned, he would make a request to a federal judge to stop blocking a law that would effectively ban abortions as early as six weeks in the state. In addition to that, Governor Mike DeWine expressed interest in passing legislation that would ban all abortions in Ohio.
At 10 a.m. this morning, Attorney General Yost took to Twitter, stating, “Today’s Supreme Court decision does not outlaw abortion, but returns it to the elected political branches of government. It never belonged in the courts.” Following this statement, he announced that a motion was filed in federal court to dissolve the injunction against Ohio’s Heartbeat Law, which would officially legitimize his promise made in May.
Statements by Ohio officials.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, various representatives of Ohio’s government made statements about their thoughts and opinions on this monumental decision.
In a statement published earlier today, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) expressed his disdain for the ruling by the Supreme Court.
“Today’s disastrous decision is the largest case of government overreach in my lifetime,” the angered Congressman said. “By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court is gutting a long-established right in order to put politicians between women and their doctors.” He then made a call to action in which he expressed the importance of expanding the pro-choice majority, ending the filibuster, and passing legislation to protect the fundamental right to an abortion.
Democratic gubernatorial nominee Nan Whaley followed in this sentiment, stating, “This is no longer a hypothetical. Unfortunately for women in Ohio, the Court’s decision to strike down Roe means that Governor DeWine will move to criminalize abortion. That means women in Ohio will have the right to a safe and legal abortion taken away from them, even if their life is at risk or if they’ve been the victim of rape or incest. It’s exactly what Mike DeWine and the extremists in the Ohio Legislature want, and that’s unacceptable.”
Countering these sentiments is Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who spoke in favor of the Supreme Court’s decision. His comments showed great admiration for the decision, speaking from the perspective of an adopted child himself.
“I’m here today because my birth mother chose life and put me up for adoption, which I know could not have been an easy decision for her. My prayer for all of us is this collective experience will build a more compassionate nation that values life.”
Governor DeWine addressed the Supreme Court’s decision in a broadcast this evening. Initially, he began his statement by stating that he wanted things to remain civil among pro-life and pro-choice individuals, but ultimately, stated his opinions on the matter.
“Those of you who are pro-choice believe this is a matter of freedom and is a decision only the woman can make. Those who are pro-life, including my wife Fran and me, believe that the life of a human being is at stake and that we have an obligation to protect that innocent life.”
DeWine then took the opportunity to discuss his Bold Beginning Initiative, which he explained as a way to provide various methods of care to pregnant mothers and their families.
“Through our “Bold Beginning” initiative, Ohio is already investing more than $1 billion dollars to provide prenatal care, parenting classes, mentoring, education, and nutrition assistance to pregnant mothers and their families,” stated DeWine.
