Ohio politicians respond to Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years — a decision by its conservative majority to overturn the court's landmark abortion cases. 

Friday’s outcome overturning Roe v. Wade is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. 

The decision, unthinkable just a few years ago, was the culmination of decades of efforts by abortion opponents, made possible by an emboldened right side of the court that has been fortified by three appointees of former President Donald Trump. 

The ruling came more than a month after the stunning leak of a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito.

Below is a growing list of statements from Ohio lawmakers and politicians on the court ruling. 

Rep. Joyce Beatty

“Today’s decision is the direct result of Republican court-packing and a gift to the most extreme sect of the Republican party. The vast majority of Americans support the right to choose, reproductive rights, and access to safe abortions; however, the will of the American people has been overturned by a small handful of fundamentalists who believe in government-mandated pregnancies. A woman’s right to choose should be non-negotiable. More than anything, I am worried for the people who need an abortion, and who will no longer be able to access one, or, worse yet, will be criminalized for seeking out services. And unfortunately, we know it will be women of color who will be hurt the most by this. Where there was once certainty and safety in settled law, there will soon be confusion and legal chaos. It is vital we pass federal legislation to secure access to reproductive care.”

This article was originally published by 10 WBNS on June 24, 2022.