Abortion
Pennsylvania politicians react to SCOTUS ruling on abortion
The Supreme Court ruling striking down Roe v. Wade prompted a range of thoughts on abortion policy in America
Anti-abortion advocates gather outside the Pennsylvania Capitol in September 2021 Justin Sweitzer
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that established a constitutional right to abortion access, setting the stage for political battles across the state – and the nation – to determine how abortion is regulated moving forward.
Below are reactions from Pennsylvania’s most prominent politicians – and a few others – who offered a range of thoughts on how the opinion will impact the political landscape in a divisive time in the nation’s history.
Gov. Tom Wolf
It’s a dark day for reproductive rights in America.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) June 24, 2022
But I want every Pennsylvanian to know abortion services are available and unharmed by today’s ruling.
To women and pregnant people in surrounding states and across the country where this isn’t the case: You are safe here.
State Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward
Today’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States is less about reproductive rights and more about returning power back to the states.
— Senator Kim L. Ward (@SenatorKimWard) June 24, 2022
Dr. Mehmet Oz
— Dr. Mehmet Oz (@DrOz) June 24, 2022
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman
BREAKING: The Supreme Court just overturned Roe v. Wade
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) June 24, 2022
It is unjust. It is wrong. And I’m going to fight it with everything I’ve got.
Send me to the U.S. Senate, and I’d *proudly* vote to codify Roe v. Wade into law.
Attorney General Josh Shapiro
Our Republican Legislature will send a bill to our next Governor’s desk to ban abortion in Pennsylvania.
— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) June 24, 2022
Without Roe, the only thing stopping them is the veto pen of our next Governor.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano
My Statement On Today’s SCOTUS ruling.https://t.co/jS5Ux6Ci7P pic.twitter.com/vP3nu3xhA1
— Doug Mastriano (@dougmastriano) June 24, 2022
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization restores the American people’s ability to determine abortion laws through their elected representatives, as the Constitution requires.
— Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) June 24, 2022
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
Today’s decision upends almost a half century of legal precedent and rips away a constitutional right that generations of women have known their entire lives. This dangerous ruling won’t end abortions in this country, but it will put women’s lives at risk.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) June 24, 2022
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
Roe was settled precedent for nearly my entire life—60% of Americans want it upheld.
— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) June 24, 2022
Roe meant freedom for women & families to choose.
So let’s call the SCOTUS ruling for what it is: a blatant attack on our freedoms.
The long road to restoring our rights begins now. I’m ready.
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller
Today’s historic decision ushers in a new era of prolife protections for the unborn not seen in half a century. I commend SCOTUS for its fortitude—amid threats of attacks & harassment from the radical left—to make the right decision and...
— Congressman Fred Keller (@RepFredKeller) June 24, 2022
US Rep. Mike Kelly
Today's Supreme Court ruling is a major victory for the pro-life movement, but our work has only begun. All little boys & little girls deserve a chance at life, and this ruling ensures they will get that chance.
— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) June 24, 2022
The right to life is not just for some of us. It is for all of us.
U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb
This decision is a disgrace to women and to the Constitution. And it can be overruled by a Democratic Congress.
— Conor Lamb (@ConorLambPA) June 24, 2022
All of us who care about progress and democracy need to come together and stick together. https://t.co/h3xZUrVBHz
Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates
The court is taking our power to control our own bodies and personal decisions and giving it to politicians.
— Planned Parenthood PA Advocates (@PPAdvocatesPA) June 24, 2022
Dan Bartkowiak
“For the past 50 years, and after over two million abortions here in PA, #Roe has held states back from acknowledging medical advancements that have allowed all of us to more fully observe the humanity of unborn children.” #RoeVsWade #RoeOverturnedhttps://t.co/P68d0R9kc8
— Dan Bartkowiak (@DanBartkowiak) June 24, 2022
Women’s Law Project
Today the U.S. Supreme Court served special interests instead of justice. We are outraged by the rank anti-abortion activism of the Court.
— Women's Law Project (@WomensLawProj) June 24, 2022
We must be here for each other. We are here for you. https://t.co/mLDrFu1rTm
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney
I’m deeply disappointed that SCOTUS has arrived at a decision that will reverse Roe v. Wade and make it even more difficult for people to access an abortion if they make the entirely personal and private decision to seek one. https://t.co/A3a1KRbuh4
— Jim #VaxUpPhilly Kenney (@PhillyMayor) June 24, 2022
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey
Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is an attack on the civil & human rights of our entire country. Abortion is healthcare & denying the right to bodily autonomy of women, trans men, non-binary, & disabled people in America is stripping them of their fundamental right to privacy. pic.twitter.com/ltZov6VPcC
— Ed Gainey (@gainey_ed) June 24, 2022