MORGANTOWN — The U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade prompted comments for and against from politicians and groups across the state. Here is a sampling:
Sen. Joe Manchin
“I am deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. It has been the law of the land for nearly 50 years and was understood to be settled precedent. I trusted Justice Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh when they testified under oath that they also believed Roe v. Wade was settled legal precedent and I am alarmed they chose to reject the stability the ruling has provided for two generations of Americans.
“As a Catholic, I was raised pro-life and will always consider myself pro-life. But I have come to accept that my definition of pro-life may not be someone else’s definition of pro-life. I believe that exceptions should be made in instances of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is in jeopardy. But let me be clear, I support legislation that would codify the rights Roe v. Wade previously protected. I am hopeful Democrats and Republicans will come together to put forward a piece of legislation that would do just that.”
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito
“By overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Supreme Court has returned this issue to the states to make their own determination. I support this decision, and I would expect West Virginia to support this decision as well. This ruling does not create a federal ban on abortion, as has been suggested by some of my colleagues. Many feel strongly on this issue, but I condemn violent rhetoric and threats towards the Supreme Court Justices. I will continue to oppose extreme legislation at the federal level, and will follow debates in state legislatures, including in West Virginia, on this issue.”
Rep. David McKinley
“For nearly 50 years, the Supreme Court’s ruling of Roe v. Wade has threatened the lives of millions of innocent unborn children. Today, the court has taken a historic step to correct this decades-old error. I applaud this decision that will save countless innocent lives. This decision returns the power to the states to protect the unborn. We must continue to fight the extreme abortion-on-demand, at-any-time agenda and be a voice for the lives of unborn children.”
Rep. Carol Miller
“As a mother and grandmother, I know the joys a child brings to a family. All life, no matter the age, should be cherished. I am pleased to see the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. An unborn child is a human life that must be protected. Today is a huge victory for all Americans.”
Protect Our Care Chair Leslie Dach
“Today, the highest court in the land solidified its attack on fundamental human rights. By voting to overturn Roe, the Trump-appointed justices lied to the American people, disregarded the Constitution, and created a health care crisis. This decision will kick-start a wave of laws banning abortion, stripping millions of control of their own bodies and their right to safe access to care.
“Every Republican lawmaker who voted for these justices owns this decision, and Americans will hold them accountable. The elected officials who want to ban abortions are the same people who refuse to support the Momnibus legislation, which would combat infant and maternal mortality crisis, oppose Medicaid expansion, which has proven to improve health outcomes for mothers and their babies, and are fighting common sense reforms to lower the cost of health care for working families. We won’t give up the fight until access to safe, quality health care — including reproductive care — is a right for every American.”
State Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion
“I am so, so bitterly disappointed in our United States Supreme Court. The courts should be a place devoid of politics, but this decision and its majority opinions—both leaked and published—are overtly political. Protections that have been in place for women and pregnant people for 50 years have been overturned. We have lost legal protections from government control of personal medical decisions and a person’s right to choose their own future.
Being a parent and a grandparent has been one of my greatest joys in life. It is one of the best choices my wife and I ever made. But it was just that — a choice. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not to be a parent. I believe every person should be able to control what happens to their body, and that decision should be made with a sober heart in the consultation of medical professionals — not politicians.”
Delegate Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha, West Virginia Democratic Party Chair
“Make no mistake about it, this decision will make all abortions illegal in West Virginia with no exceptions to protect the life and health of the mother and no exceptions for the victims of rape and incest.”
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