Local and national leaders issue statements on Supreme Court decision
Local and national leaders have issued statements in response to the US Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v Wade. The decision issued Friday returns any decisions regarding abortion back to the states.
Michigan Rep. Steve Carra issued the following statement:
“As a pro-life warrior, I applaud the Supreme Court for overturning the egregious Roe v. Wade decision and returning the practice of legislation to the states. Roe v. Wade had no basis in the Constitution, and I am proud of playing a role in its end with my amicus curiae brief. For those who claim this is anti-woman, I ask you to ponder how many great women were killed in the womb before they had the ability to go on and do great things. For those who say Black Lives Matter, how many great African American minds were robbed from society through abortion? The time for action is now and I ask the governor to come to the table to pass laws that protect the lives of our unborn children. My bill, HB 6270, the Protection at Conception Act, is the appropriate legislation for our state at this critical juncture in time.
Indiana Rep. Dale DeVon, R-Granger released the following statement
"This is an exciting opportunity to save more lives in Indiana. I'm eager to head back to the Statehouse and support legislation further protecting the unborn while also expanding access to care and resources for new and expectant mothers."
Indiana Rep. Jake Teshka, R-South Bend released the following statement
"Indiana is one of the most pro-life states in the nation and with the Supreme Court’s decision today we have the ability to build on this record. I look forward to being back at the Statehouse soon and I'm dedicated to defending our most vulnerable every step of the way. I also believe any action we take should include strengthening our support for pregnant women and new moms."
Indiana Rep. Tim Wesco, R-Osceola released the following statement
"The Supreme Court's decision rightfully returns the question of abortion back to the people of each state. This is an historic day, and one many of us have been praying for God to deliver. After 50 years of Roe, we now have the opportunity to save precious lives and I look forward to heading back to the Statehouse to do just that."
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend issued this statement:
Today is a historic day for our nation as the Supreme Court overturned the tragic Roe v. Wade decision which denied the child in the womb the right to life and led to the deaths of millions of unborn children in our nation. The gravely immoral and unjust decision in 1973 has finally been reversed, after so many years of prayer and sacrifices, advocacy and peaceful witness for the protection of the lives of the innocent unborn. I thank all the faithful of our diocese for your tireless pro-life efforts and prayers. Of course, our work for the protection of the unborn does not end with the Dobbs decision since now it will be up to states to determine their abortion laws. Here in Indiana, we will need to continue to advocate for laws to protect the lives of the unborn and to assist mothers in need.
I reaffirm our commitment to serving pregnant mothers with our love, compassion, and assistance. We will continue our many efforts to support women in unplanned or crisis pregnancies.
The sacredness of human life is a central tenet of our faith. We profess our reverence and love for every human life, from the moment of conception to natural death. We profess the inviolable dignity of every human person created in God’s image and likeness, including the most vulnerable among us: the unborn, the sick, the elderly, the disabled, the refugee, the poor, and those on death row. I pray that with the Dobbs decision we will see a new culture of life emerge in our country. A conversion of many minds and hearts is still needed to bring about a new culture of respect for human life. Our witness of love of neighbor and our service of those in need is essential in this regard. We are called, as Saint Paul wrote, to “overcome evil with good.” Jesus Himself teaches us in the parable of the last judgment that whatever we do the least of our brothers and sisters, we do to Him. He exhorts all of us to care for the most vulnerable among us. May we continue to do so through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy that abound in our diocese! Thank you to all of you for your witness to Christ’s love and for your commitment to the Gospel of life!
US Attorney General Merrick Garland issued the following statement:
“Today, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and held that the right to abortion is no longer protected by the Constitution.
“The Supreme Court has eliminated an established right that has been an essential component of women’s liberty for half a century – a right that has safeguarded women’s ability to participate fully and equally in society. And in renouncing this fundamental right, which it had repeatedly recognized and reaffirmed, the Court has upended the doctrine of stare decisis, a key pillar of the rule of law.
“The Justice Department strongly disagrees with the Court’s decision. This decision deals a devastating blow to reproductive freedom in the United States. It will have an immediate and irreversible impact on the lives of people across the country. And it will be greatly disproportionate in its effect – with the greatest burdens felt by people of color and those of limited financial means.
Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. issued the following statement:
"As a Catholic university, Notre Dame is committed to the sanctity of all human life, and I have for many years joined with others in advocating for the protection of unborn life. We acknowledge the divisions among people of good will on the question of abortion, and the controversy that has endured in our nation for the past fifty years. I hope that today’s Supreme Court decision, which returns the question of abortion to voters and their elected representatives, will provide an occasion for sober deliberation and respectful dialogue. We must work with those who share our views and particularly with those who don’t, as we examine the profound and complex moral, legal and social questions involved. We urge everyone to bring to these discussions a generous spirit and, above all, strive to establish laws, policies and programs that ensure equality for women and support for mothers and their children."
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued the following statement.
"The Supreme Court’s decision is clear, and it is now up to the states to address this important issue. We’ll do that in short order in Indiana. I’ve already called the General Assembly back on July 6, and I expect members to take up this matter as well. I have been clear in stating I am pro-life. We have an opportunity to make progress in protecting the sanctity of life, and that’s exactly what we will do."
Jamie Brown, RN, president of the Michigan Nurses Association, issued the following statement:
“Reproductive care is health care, plain and simple, and access to health care is a fundamental human right. The danger to people’s lives – especially people of color and those with low-incomes – is very real without full safe and legal access to care. MNA agrees with the majority of Michigan residents who believe that people should be able to decide the best course of action for their own health and well-being; health decisions should be made by patients in conjunction with their healthcare provider, not restricted by the government. In supporting reproductive rights and access to reproductive care, MNA is advocating for the health and safety of patients in all circumstances. MNA supports both Gov. Whitmer’s lawsuit before the state Supreme Court and Michigan’s Reproductive Freedom for All ballot initiative to protect the full range of reproductive health options and keep people safe.”
U.S. Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich. Issued the following statement
“For nearly 50 years, women and families have been able to count on safe and legal abortion as a vital and fundamental health care right in this country. And today – the Supreme Court is taking that right away. This decision will have immediate, catastrophic consequences for women and families. Women who are victims of rape or incest will not be able to seek an abortion in many parts of the country. Women who have health complications during their pregnancies may not be able to receive emergency care that could save their lives.
“When I shared my family’s story on abortion, I remember the strong outpouring of support I received from women – and men – who had similar experiences as my own: people who so dearly wanted a child – but suffered medical complications – and needed an abortion to save the life of the mother. The mental anguish you go through during such a vulnerable time is unimaginable, and stays with you. My heart breaks for them and everyone going through these tragic, real-life experiences that happen each and every day.
“Today, the Supreme Court has opened the door wide open for politics to interfere in private health care decisions between women and families and their doctors – and worse yet, may open the door to making abortion outright illegal without exceptions for rape, incest or life of the woman. I am gravely worried about the precedent this ruling sets. I will always stand up to prevent these cruel attacks.”
Senator Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. released the following statement
"In 1973, Roe v. Wade gave American women the fundamental freedom to make our own reproductive health care decisions. Now, 50 years later, the Supreme Court has ripped away this basic right. The fundamental question is ‘who gets to make health care decisions for a woman?’ The woman herself, based on her own faith, with her family and her doctor, or a bunch of judges and politicians? This Supreme Court decision will literally put women’s lives at risk. Twenty-six states are poised to move quickly to ban abortion—including 13 states with laws that can go into effect right now. It is hard to look past the anger that I and so many women across the country feel right now. From the President to the Congress to our local State Legislatures, elections matter now more than ever."
U.S. Senator Todd Young, R-Ind. issued the following statement:
“Today is a monumental day for the protection of life in America and a defining moment for our nation. Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided, and the Supreme Court has corrected a historic injustice.
“The American people will now have the opportunity, through their state elected officials, to decide our laws when it comes to protecting life and protecting women. It’s now time to work on solutions that affirm the right to life and support pregnant women and mothers.”
U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-District 2 released the following statement:
“Our prayers have been answered. By rightfully restoring power to the states, the Supreme Court has affirmed the inalienable right to life. As our mission moves to the states, we will not grow weary in doing good. Our commitment to life will march on. As one of the most pro-life states in the nation, Indiana will lead the way in defending the vulnerable, uplifting women and families, and ensuring every child has the chance to achieve the American Dream. Our enduring commitment to life will prevail.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, R-District 3 released the following statement:
“Today is a joyful day and a turning point for the unborn in America. I will be celebrating tonight with my wife Amanda and our three daughters. I’d like to thank the thousands of pro-life advocates, conservative representatives, and voters, who have worked tirelessly for nearly 50 years to overturn the disastrous Roe decision. "
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released the following statement:
"The overturning of Roe is not just the loss of a right; it is the erosion of our status as equal citizens under the law. As a nation, we trust in our highest court to hold sacred their duty, free from political whim. Today’s decision sets a dangerous precedent in reversing 50 years’ of settled law; creating extraordinary upheaval in the American legal system; and putting at risk other individual rights that generations of Americans fought to secure and preserve. Now we must do what our courts have failed to do: we must act to ensure that women are not permanently relegated to second-class citizens in this country. I will continue to fight for a women’s right to choose with the full weight of my office. Michigan residents must continue to fight for reproductive rights at the ballot box in November.”
Michigan Governor Whitmer Statement
“Today is a sad day for America as an unelected group of conservative judges act squarely against the will of the people and medical expertise. We can all sense the despair that tens of millions of Americans—our neighbors, family members and friends—are feeling right now. However we personally feel about abortion, health—not politics—should drive important medical decisions.
“With today's decision, Michigan's antiquated 1931 law banning abortion without exceptions for rape or incest and criminalizing doctors and nurses who provide reproductive care takes effect. For now, a Michigan court has put a temporary hold on the law, but that decision is not final and has already been challenged. The 1931 law would punish women and strip away their right to make decisions about their own bodies. I am deeply disappointed that Michigan’s Republican legislative leaders have been in court defending this draconian ban, to the detriment of women and families. Some legislators have gone a step further, proposing a 10-year prison sentence for abortion providers and a 20-year sentence for anyone manufacturing, selling or distributing birth control medication.
“I want every Michigander to know that I am more determined than ever to protect access to safe, legal abortion. Now is the time to use every tool in our toolbox to protect women and reproductive health care. That is why I filed a lawsuit in April and used my executive authority to urge the Michigan Supreme Court to immediately resolve whether Michigan’s state constitution protects the right to abortion. We need to clarify that under Michigan law, access to abortion is not only legal, but constitutionally protected. In addition, my recent executive directive instructs all state departments and agencies not to cooperate with authorities from other states who want to prosecute women seeking legal abortion care and instructs departments to increase protections for reproductive healthcare.
“I will fight like hell to protect every Michiganders’ right to make decisions about their own body with the advice of a medical professional they trust. I will not give in or give up for my kids, your kids, and the future of our great state.”
Michigan Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist released the following statement
“Today is a tragic day for Americans and Michiganders. Against medical expertise and the overwhelming majority of Americans who support this constitutional right, a group of conservative judges we did not elect have stripped access to reproductive healthcare from tens of millions of Americans. We can all sense the hopelessness and despair that our neighbors, family, and friends are feeling right now.
“Governor Gretchen Whitmer and I are more determined than ever to protect access to safe, legal abortion. However we personally feel about abortion, health, not politics, should drive major medical decisions. Governor Whitmer and I are committed to ensuring this constitutional right is protected here in Michigan. We will strive to build a state where everyone’s reproductive rights are respected and affirmed. We will never stop fighting for our kids, your kids, and our state’s future.”
Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) released the following statement
“Today’s decision has been one common sense, pro-life Americans have been waiting for. This ruling confirms there is no constitutional right to end the life of an innocent, unborn child. The decision correctly restores power usurped by the courts to the states and the representatives elected by the people. While today’s announcement is historic, the pro-life movement cannot waiver in protecting these innocent lives. I will continue to stand up for the unborn in the days ahead and stand against those who seek to enshrine policies that embrace abortion on demand.”
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita released the following statement
With its action today, the U.S. Supreme Court at long last has acknowledged the gross injustice perpetrated by the court in 1973 through the tragic Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion throughout the nation.
More than 63 million little ones have died at the hands of abortionists in the intervening 49 years since that act of judicial malpractice. Even as we mourn those lost lives, however, today we also rejoice that six justices on the current Supreme Court have acted wisely and courageously to correct one of the worst travesties in our nation’s history.
My office was honored to assist the attorneys for the State of Mississippi in their preparations to argue the Dobbs case before the U.S. Supreme Court. As Indiana’s attorney general, I have devoted much of my time and energy to defending Indiana’s own pro-life laws.
With today’s Supreme Court ruling, pro-life states such as Indiana should find it easier to legislate and enforce strong laws that protect lives. Even as we expect relief from the burden of spending as much time in court defending our abortion laws, however, we will remain watchful and ready for attempts in Washington D.C. to codify into federal law the same nationwide legalization of abortion that the court foisted on Americans in 1973.
The Supreme Court has delivered a historic win for life, but our fight for unborn children continues in earnest. We will continue working vigorously to protect those little ones and the physical, mental and emotional well-being of their mothers.
Senator Mike Braun, R-Ind. released the following statement
“After 50 years, the right to life has finally been returned to the people and their elected representatives. I’m excited to see the states take the lead to protect the unborn, and I look forward to crafting solutions that will defend the unborn and save lives.”