Tri-State leaders react to Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Tri-State leaders shared mixed emotions Friday following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which set a precedent that abortion was protected by the Constitution.

Friday’s ruling on the 1973 case now leaves it in the hands of state governments to determine their own abortion laws.

Here is what Tri-state leaders are saying:

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General David Yost:

In the past, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has been vocal about his opinion on abortion. In 2019, Ohio legislatures, in addition to DeWine and Ohio Attorney General David Yost, tried to pass S.B. 23, what they called a “heartbeat” law, which would ban all abortions if a fetal heartbeat was detected.

Senior U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett issued a preliminary injunction that blocked the bill due to an “undue burden on a woman’s right to choose a pre-viability abortion.”

After Friday’s ruling, Yost announced that a motion had been filed to rid the injunction now that Roe v. Wade had been overturned.

There is a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives that would require doctors to inform patients of abortion pill reversal treatment.

House Bill 378 was introduced by State Representatives Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula).

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron:

“Today is a day that many have hoped for—the issue of abortion has been returned to the people and to the states, where it belongs. This moment deserves to be celebrated, but it also calls for renewed commitment. Renewed commitment to life-affirming care for the unborn, for mothers, and for Kentucky families.

Our General Assembly has already passed laws that protect unborn babies and ensure the health and safety of women. We’ve defended many of these pro-life laws in court, but the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in Roe and Casey prevented some from taking effect. That changes today.

We are entering a new era. No longer will unelected judges make abortion policy for the Commonwealth. Instead, our elected representatives will be able to make public policy that reflects the values of Kentuckians and our deeply held respect for unborn life.

Together, we must commit ourselves to caring for the next generation of Kentuckians who will now have a chance to live their lives because Roe v. Wade is no more. Their lives, and those of their mothers and families, are precious and must be met with all the compassion, kindness, and care that we can provide.”

Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell:

“The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Dobbs is courageous and correct. This is an historic victory for the Constitution and for the most vulnerable in our society.

“For 50 years, states have been unable to enact even modest protections for unborn children. More than 90% of Europe restricts abortion on demand after 15 weeks, but every state in America has been forced to allow it more than a month past that, after a baby can feel pain, yawn, stretch, and suck his or her thumb. Judicial activists declared that every state had to handle abortion like China and North Korea and no state could handle it like France or Germany.

“Not anymore. Now the American people get their voice back.” Full statement here: bit.ly/3OyJLXe

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul:

“This Supreme Court decision is a monumental step to not only protect life but also for the court to finally correct the mistake it made and return governance back to the people and their elected representatives.

“I’ve been the sponsor of a federal law to overturn Roe since I came to Washington, and I’m pleased to see the court make this decision today.”

Ohio Senator Rob Portman:

“Today’s ruling is consistent with my view that policy questions regarding abortion should be decided by the elected representatives of the people, not the Supreme Court. Through its ruling today, the Court made this clear. The states already play a significant role in abortion policy, but have been constrained by various Supreme Court rulings. Now the issue of abortion will be decided by the states and the elected representatives closest to the people.

“While abortion is a very sensitive and emotional issue with strong feelings on both sides, I think most Americans agree that human life is precious and should be protected wherever possible. To that end, we should do more to work together in a bipartisan manner to promote adoption, reduce the number of abortions, and provide support for pregnant women in difficult circumstances.”

Ohio Representative Brad Wenstrup

“As a physician and a man of faith, I believe that life begins at conception. No matter how weak or small, all human life is deserving of basic dignity and respect. Roe vs. Wade was terrible jurisprudence. The power to pass laws resides with the people and their representatives, and I am pleased that today’s Supreme Court decision has returned power to elected representatives. I am committed to caring for life from the womb to the grave for both the unborn and their mothers.”

While some politicians believe in the Supreme Court’s ruling, others illustrate their opposing view.

Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval wrote on Twitter:

“The Supreme Court just stripped away the fundamental right to reproductive health care. They turned their backs on generations of progress and sacrifice. We won’t stand for this, and we’re going to fight like hell.”

Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown:

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear:

“Today’s decision triggers an extremist Kentucky law that creates a total ban in Kentucky that will eliminate all options for victims of rape or incest. As the former chief prosecutor of Kentucky, I know that these violent crimes happen, and not having options for victims of rape and incest is wrong. ^AB”

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb:

In Cincinnati, abortion rights advocates protested in the street, and at times, blocked off streets. (Warning: Some video contains graphic language)

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