'Historic,' 'Disastrous' — Ohio politicians, groups react to Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade

"Earlier today, the ACLU, ACLU of Ohio, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America announced plans to fight back by suing in state court to ensure that Ohioans are able to exercise their rights protected by the Ohio Constitution. The reproductive rights organizations intend to file a lawsuit on behalf of Ohio’s abortion providers to protect the continuity of abortion care in our state under the Ohio Constitution."

“The ramifications of today’s Supreme Court decision have been swift, devastating, and real. The state’s request to vacate an injunction that blocked a 2019 abortion ban has been granted, and abortion after six weeks is now banned across the state of Ohio. Together, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure people can get the care they need. While we work to get patients the tools, resources, and information to get out of state to access abortion if they can, we plan to quickly file a legal challenge in state court. The fight is not over. We will continue to do everything possible to ensure that people can control their own medical decisions.”

"As we transition as a nation from Roe to Dobbs, we all need to do our best to understand and respect the heartfelt, genuine differences of opinions among our families, friends, neighbors and communities. Being an adoptee who started life in a foster home, my own experience helped shape my views on this issue. 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."

“Today’s disastrous decision is the largest case of government overreach in my lifetime. By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court is gutting a long-established right in order to put politicians between women and their doctors. Even worse, this ruling gives the green light to those here in Ohio who have introduced legislation that would deny women access to potentially lifesaving care, and threaten to put women and doctors in jail.

“We saw this coming, which is why as a member of Congress I’ve voted repeatedly to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, only to watch it die in the Senate along with so many other bills that would protect health care and help women and families. It’s clear the Senate is not working the way it’s supposed to and Ohio women will pay the price. It has never been more important that we expand our pro-choice majority, end the filibuster, and pass legislation to protect the fundamental right to an abortion.”

"This is a historic day for our nation, one that is long overdue. The highest court in the land has reaffirmed our belief in the sanctity of life - that every life is precious and deserving of dignity and respect. Our country was established with the intent for every individual to enjoy the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Today the U.S.Supreme Court has upheld the right to life for untold generations of future Americans."

"This ruling does not outlaw abortion but rather returns this decision to the states- where it belongs. Some states will choose to continue to permit abortion. Others will not. I am thankful that Ohio is a pro-life state.

“Now more than ever it is important that we ensure pregnant women and families have the support they need as well as streamline the adoption process.”

"I have fought long and hard for the pro-life movement, so I am particularly gratified by this historic decision restoring the right to life. Today’s ruling deepens my faith in this nation - today justice was done.”

“Access to comprehensive healthcare includes all forms of reproductive care, including contraception and abortion care. This decision not only erodes women’s rights, but also jeopardizes the health and wellbeing of Ohio families.”

“This decision returns abortion policy to the place it has always belonged: to the elected policy branches of government. Roe was poorly reasoned, a doctrine of shifting sands that invited perpetual litigation.

“We will continue to debate this issue. But passion is not a license to violence. I call again on my federal colleague, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and my fellow states’ attorneys general to publicly commit to holding violent protesters accountable under the law, no matter which side they are on.”

“Today’s devastating news affirms what we knew was coming—and the consequences are dire. Right now in Ohio, state lawmakers are pushing forward a bill that would ban abortion, even in instances of rape and incest, criminalizing women seeking an abortion, as well as doctors who provide them. Today’s decision from the United States Supreme Court and the extreme anti-choice policies to follow are not only morally wrong, but are out of touch with the views of the majority of Ohioans and Americans. As a state lawmaker I am fighting attacks like these on our reproductive freedom and right to privacy, and I’ll continue that fight as a Member of Congress. This election is critical and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Ohioans must get out and vote to have their voices heard and prevent us from going backwards.”

“Turning women’s health into a political and legal playground and making abortion a crime will drive away leading businesses, good jobs and widespread economic prosperity for all Ohioans.“

"Republicans imposing their own cruel and extreme political views on the state will make Ohio a dangerous and insecure place to put down roots, start a family and have a good quality of life.“

"Ohio Democrats won’t stop investing in our children and families, just like we won’t stop fighting to protect your fundamental freedom to control your own body, life, and future.”

“The court may have made this decision, but it happened because of malicious men like Mike DeWine, Mitch McConnell, Donald Trump, Mike Pence, and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. Dave Yost and Mike DeWine have no regard for wellbeing of Ohioans. The swiftness of this ruling provides patients with appointments tomorrow with no notice.“

"People who have appointments need to contact their provider. If you are unable to have an abortion in Ohio, your clinic will connect you with an abortion fund that will assist you in traveling to access abortion care in another state. If you need an abortion, there is a community here to support you. Mike DeWine and Dave Yost do not give a damn about you, but we do.“

"To everyone who supports reproductive freedom, please donate to local abortion funds and advocacy organizations, make sure you are registered to vote, and vote in November. Vote for Nan Whaley for governor.”

“The decision by the Supreme Court today is long overdue and removes a 50 year fabricated 'right' that ignored the personhood of the unborn child. While this decision does not end abortion in our nation, it makes it more likely that unborn children will be treated as human beings and be afforded the same rights as their mothers and fathers.”

“I am enraged with the actions of not only SCOTUS, but our government at-large. All abortion bans are part of the intertwined systems of oppression that deny Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color access to their rights and are rooted in anti-Black racism, white supremacy, and other forms of discrimination. Right now, we’re calling on Ohioans to spread the message that abortions is still legal in Ohio. WHO/O, alongside local and national organizers and activists will continue fighting towards liberation. Grassroots fundraising, community support, and public action will be crucial, not just for abortion funds like WHO/O but also for clinics and the patients they serve. To Ohioans feeling every color of outrage and grief and fear—know that you are not alone, and our communities aren’t going anywhere, now or ever.”

“This is a landmark ruling recognizing the moral and constitutional errors of Roe, and a tremendous victory for the millions of Americans who have spent fifty years fighting for the pro-life cause. Just as important, this is an opportunity for every unborn child, the voiceless and most vulnerable, who need a champion for their chance at a thriving and fulfilling life. Our previous abortion policies were on par with Communist China and the oppressive regime of North Korea, and this ruling understood there was never any constitutional right to the barbarism Roe allowed. This ruling, like so many that correct federal overreach, puts this difficult moral question in the hands of the states.

“In the wake of this monumental and polarizing decision, it is important that all Americans step back to understand and recognize the legitimacy of this ruling. There is never a time for political violence in the United States. We have seen fire bombings and vandalism perpetrated against crisis pregnancy centers across the country recently with almost zero mention in the mainstream media. We cannot allow or excuse political violence. If these attacks continue after this ruling, I hope we can universally condemn them for heinous acts of violence they are.”

“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.

“This election has never been more important. If DeWine is reelected, he’ll take Ohio women back to a time where abortion was criminalized and dangerous. The right to access a safe and legal abortion and reproductive care is on the ballot this November. Ohioans have an opportunity to elect a pro-choice governor who won’t interfere with a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body.”

Science confirms that the human life of an individual begins at conception and our experience tells us that all human life is precious, fragile and given directly to us as a gift from God. We are brothers and sisters in our human family, made in the image and likeness of God. We are all called to live out our responsibility to protect and care for one another, whether born or unborn.

I wholeheartedly applaud today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which reverses the grave injustice of 1973, when Roe v. Wade decided that a whole class of human beings, the preborn, are outside the protection of the law and had no constitutional right to life. Since that decision, more than 60 million innocent lives have been sadly ended. Now that Roe is overturned, states will again be able to protect the lives of preborn children and in doing so, also protect millions of women from the tragic consequences of abortion.

The consistent teaching of the Church regarding the intrinsic evil of abortion seeks to secure all other rights as well. We are not a “single issue” Church; there are other extremely important rights that we must defend, to be sure; but these additional rights flow from and are rooted in the fundamental right to life itself.

Now that the bane of Roe has been addressed, we must ensure that the rights of parents and their children are protected so that they may have what they need to prosper with dignity and hope. The Church is redoubling efforts to accompany women and couples who are facing unexpected or difficult pregnancies, offering them loving and compassionate care. The Diocese of Cleveland has developed many ministries to serve expectant mothers who face difficult pregnancies and those who find it difficult to care for their children after they are born. Pregnant women can find help at local pregnancy centers, where they can get information about the pregnancy, undergo an ultrasound and receive assistance during their pregnancy. After birth, there are many resources available from nonprofit groups like the Christ Child Society, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland and others that can supply infant necessities like layettes, diapers, formula, cribs, strollers and more, as well as follow-up medical and mental health assistance for the mother and baby. And as the baby grows, other agencies like Help Me Grow offer additional assistance, including educational resources. Catholic Charities offers foster care and adoption services, as well. Another rapidly growing initiative is “Walking with Moms in Need,” sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This parish-based process helps parishioners connect with local mothers facing difficult or challenging pregnancies, identifying local resources and filling the gaps so that pregnant and parenting women receive the material, spiritual, and emotional support they need.

People of faith also offer compassionate care for those women and men who have been affected by a procured abortion in the past. We offer God’s consistent mercy and reconciliation, especially through the Bethesda House of Mercy as well as programs such as Project Rachel and Rachel’s Vineyard, whose ministries offer compassionate accompaniment and healing support.

I know that there are those who will disagree with today’s ruling by the court. I pray for their conversion of heart because this decision is a major step forward in protecting all human life. As people of faith, we must be prepared to be patient with those who will continue to oppose us on this preeminent life issue. In all things, we will continue to proclaim the truth with charity. Let us pray together that God grant us the courage and wisdom to protect the gift of human life from conception to natural death and respect the lives of our brothers and sisters both born and yet to be born with great love. May our faithful witness soften the hearts and minds of those who reject the gift of life in any way. This we pray through Christ, our risen Lord.

"I am 37 years old, and for my entire life abortion on demand—decreed by an unelected panel of judges—has been forced on the nation. Today is a great day. It vindicates a half century of work, and gives us an opportunity to live up our founding creed—that all of us are truly created equal.

"We now enter a new phase of the pro-life movement. We will continue the fight to ensure that every young mother has the resources they need to bring new life into the world. We will build an economy where it’s possible to sustain and support our children. We will expand adoption and promote pregnancy centers, so that every child has the loving home they deserve. Some of our efforts will be federal, and others local, but all will be focused on the simple principle that life is worth protecting—from the moment it begins until its natural end.

"In the Hebrew Bible, God tells Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” This wisdom echoes through the ages in our hearts and in our minds; now it falls to us to ensure it is reflected in the laws of our nation."

“For fifty years, women in America had the right to make their own personal health care decisions. Today, five judges handed that right over to politicians. This will be the first generation of women to grow up with fewer rights and freedoms than their mothers and grandmothers, and this burden will be disproportionately carried by low-income women and women of color. This is a radical decision by an increasingly out-of-touch court, and Americans won’t stand for it. When, how, and whether to have a family is one of the most personal and meaningful decisions we make in life, and the freedom to make those decisions for yourself, free from political interference, should be available to everyone. The president and Congress must take action restoring protections for women to make their own health choices, and women will make their voices heard in voting booths around Ohio and the country this November.”

“Roe v. Wade has resulted in millions of unborn babies losing their lives over the past five decades. Today's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court returns the voice to the people, giving each state their own ability to determine policies regarding life and liberty. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the legislature to protect the unborn and support women and families expecting a child in Ohio.”

"This is a ruthless attack on women, particularly low-income women and families who can’t afford healthcare and an affront to all who came before us, who fought long and hard for reproductive rights over 50 years ago.

This is not just a dark moment in our country, this is a movement to rewrite history and take away freedoms enshrined in law for decades.

Women’s reproductive rights are under siege, and I am determined to mobilize every resource and legal mechanism within my power to protect women's safety, health, and right to choose."

“Women deserve the fundamental right to safe, legal and equal access to abortions, and should be able to make personal decisions about pregnancy and abortion with their medical team, free from fear or scrutiny. Criminalizing abortions puts the lives of many women in jeopardy, causes disparities of healthcare access and leaves women with no options.”

“Today is a dark day in American history. The Supreme Court’s devastating decision overturning Roe v. Wade is a deliberate attack on reproductive rights and an individual’s fundamental right to make decisions about their body and their health care. Now, the most personal decision someone can make will be subjected to the impulses of politicians and partisans. For the first time in our history, girls growing up today will not have the same rights as their mothers. And there is no doubt that this disgraceful decision will take the greatest toll on poor women, women of color, and marginalized communities who already face systemic barriers to accessing to health care.

Today, the Supreme Court not only delivered a smack in the face to five decades of precedent, it also turned back the clock on decades of progress on human rights. This decision is a blow not just to women, but to all of us who cherish the freedoms and rights we hold as Americans. Combined with yesterday’s ruling on guns, this decision displays the Court’s glaring hypocrisy for the country to see. According to the Court, states cannot decide how to regulate guns—yet only the states can decide how to regulate a woman’s body. They will stop at nothing to foist their extreme agenda on the American people.

My heart is heavy today. Yet let’s be disappointed, not devastated. We can be down, but we aren’t out. The House has already passed legislation to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land, and I urge the Senate to pass this critical bill now. We cannot—and we will not—go back.”

"This self-righteous decision made by activists judges and supported by many elected and appointed officials has no merit.

Many of these same people who want to take away a women’s choice, offer little to no government support or assistance once a child is born and then fervently support extreme incarceration and capital punishment. Once you’re born, you’re on your own. This is nothing short of hypocrisy.

I represent many poor, women of color who are single parents of households. They will be disproportionately impacted this decision. The only women’s health clinic in the city of Cleveland is in Ward 6 in the Buckeye/Shaker & Woodland Hills community because there is a need to have comprehensive women’s health for my beloved community.

Today, I speak for them and their choice to make decisions on their own bodies.

Now we have to register, vote and show up at the polls to defend a women’s right to choose what happens with her own body - not allow government or activist judges that control."

"This is a sad day for America, and a devastating day for women. The Supreme Court’s ruling eliminates a woman’s constitutional protection to make her own medical decision. We are exploring how to support organizations that provide health care and related services to women in Cuyahoga County.”