Democratic governors across the country are scrambling to declare that their states will safeguard access to abortion after a leaked Supreme Court draft majority opinion indicated that Roe v. Wade will be overturned.
These state executives issued an array of statements after the news of the draft broke Monday night.
LEAKED DRAFT OPINION SIGNALS SUPREME COURT OVERTURNING ROE V. WADE
"While states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona are engaging in the unwelcome intrusion of government into deeply personal and religious decisions, Colorado remains a refuge where individual rights are respected and where any person has the ability to live, work, thrive, and raise a family on their own terms," Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
Politico released a draft decision written by Justice Samuel Alito in which he declared, “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled." The decision has not yet been made official and could be subject to change, but if the court overturns the landmark 1973 case, states will be allowed to impose increased restrictions on the controversial procedure.
A number of other Democratic governors also used news of the draft ruling to juxtapose their states with red states that have increased restrictions on abortion in anticipation of Roe being scrapped. The leak has given Democrats political ammunition at a time when they have been ravaged by soaring inflation, rising crime, and poor public polling of President Joe Biden heading into the midterm elections.
Hell no! In Illinois, we trust women. We cannot let their most profound and personal rights be violated. https://t.co/ksvR0vkgw1
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) May 3, 2022
Our work is more important than ever. I’ll fight like hell to protect abortion access in Michigan. https://t.co/RGmAofv8up
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) May 3, 2022
Let me make something abundantly clear for all Minnesotans if this reported draft #SCOTUS opinion is released:
— Tim Walz (@Tim_Walz) May 3, 2022
There will never be an abortion ban under my watch. The right to an abortion will be respected in Minnesota as long as I am in office.
A truly dark day in America with the news reports that the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) May 3, 2022
This year, I signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act – codifying a woman's right to choose into state law. New Jersey will not go backwards on reproductive rights.
Our daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers will not be silenced.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) May 3, 2022
The world is about to hear their fury.
California will not sit back. We are going to fight like hell. https://t.co/EhwSWXiZhx
NOT HERE, NOT IN OUR LIFETIME. Washington is and will remain pro-choice. And we will not slow down in the fight to ensure safe, affordable access to every person who needs it. https://t.co/YU0QpZ5CpP
— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) May 3, 2022
In Nevada, we’re committed to protecting reproductive rights - I’ve signed legislation affirming this right and expanding access to healthcare. And as long as I’m Governor, I’ll continue to do so.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 3, 2022
The moment so many of us feared is upon us. When I first ran for office, I promised to safeguard the right to abortion for New Mexicans and in this dark time, I'm more determined than ever.https://t.co/Sj2jSy4rfu
— Michelle Lujan Grisham (@Michelle4NM) May 3, 2022
Our state continues to take the steps necessary to protect and expand reproductive rights. Tonight, @LGSusanB and I say it louder and with more resolve than ever before, we will do everything in our power to defend abortion rights in Connecticut.
— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) May 3, 2022
Abortion is and will remain legal in Pennsylvania.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) May 3, 2022
3 things to keep in mind:
1️⃣ An official ruling has not yet been made
2️⃣ Once #SCOTUS does rule, it’s up to states to pass legislation to change abortion laws
3️⃣ I’ll veto any anti-choice legislation that lands on my desk https://t.co/kbBGadiMMS
All Americans should have access to abortion –– full stop.
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) May 3, 2022
Abortion is health care and protected by state law in Oregon. We will fight to keep it that way, no matter what this Supreme Court decides.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Several Republican governors also issued statements regarding the leak. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, for example, vowed to call for a special session to revisit the state's abortion laws if the court moves to nix the controversial Roe precedent.
If this report is true and Roe v. Wade is overturned, I will immediately call for a special session to save lives and guarantee that every unborn child has a right to life in South Dakota. https://t.co/oIiGibCP7B
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) May 3, 2022
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, both Republicans, also released statements expressing support for overturning Roe, but they condemned the leak. In theory, if Roe is overturned, Congress could take action to impose ground rules for states. However, such action would likely need to clear the 60-vote threshold of the filibuster in the Senate.