Local Lawmakers, Others Weigh In On SCOTUS Decision
June 24, 2022 at 11:27 p.m.
Local Lawmakers, Others Weigh In On SCOTUS Decision
By David L. Slone-
The court on Friday, by a vote of 6-3, ended the national protection for abortion that had stood in America since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey had affirmed the right to abortion.
The Supreme Court’s decision Friday came in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, regarding a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
In Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion, he wrote, “We therefore hold that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Roe and Casey must be overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion must be returned to the people and their elected representatives.”
The decision leaves it up to each individual state to make laws regarding abortion. When a draft of Alito’s opinion had leaked about a month ago, Indiana Republican legislators were in favor of having a special session to pass state law outlawing or limiting abortion in the state, if the draft was the court’s final ruling. Gov. Eric Holcomb has called for a special session July 6 to provide a tax refund for Indiana’s taxpayers, but the abortion issue will likely be brought up then, too.
When asked for a statement from Right to Life of North Central Indiana, Dave Koontz provided the following: “Right to Life of North Central Indiana is thankful that the Supreme Court has returned power to the states to regulate abortion. While this decision does not outlaw abortion, it does give the people of Indiana the opportunity to diligently revisit the state's abortion laws and determine how they will protect unborn babies and support and care for pregnant mothers.”
Vicki Morton, Kosciusko County Democrats chair, said, “We’ve known the decision to overturn Roe has been coming for weeks now, with the leaked SCOTUS brief by Justice Alito. What was truly shocking today however was Justice Thomas’ call for the court to go further and overturn other rulings regarding same-sex marriage and the use of contraception.
“Indiana has a terrible infant mortality rate and ranks highest in the nation in several age demographics. We do not guarantee paid maternal leave and right here in Kosciusko County, even our elected Republican State Rep. Craig Snow admitted we are a childcare desert. So more forced births to parents who are not prepared, healthy, emotionally, or financially able to care for children is not the answer. Let alone the circumstances where the life of the mother, abuse or sexual assault is taken into consideration,” she said.
In his statement responding to the SCOTUS decision, Snow said, "Today's decision is a watershed moment for pro-life advocates across the nation, and I look forward to reconvening at the Statehouse to reaffirm my support for the unborn. While it's too early to speculate on what form Indiana's legislation will take, I believe we'll also find ways to increase support for pregnant women and babies."
Holcomb issued the following statement to the media on the overruling of Roe v. Wade: "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."
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, Republican, said, “This is a historic moment. 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.
Rokita stated his 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,” Rokita said.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch offered the following statement regarding the overruling of Roe v. Wade: "This is a historic day for life and for all those who respect our constitution. Now, let us turn our attention to the important work of protecting both mother and child here in Indiana."
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, Republican, said, “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.”
Last year, Young joined over 200 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief supporting the State of Mississippi in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Mississippi’s law.
Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun said, “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.”
In her statement, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, Republican, said, “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, Republican, said, “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.”
He continued, “I am reiterating my call for Governor Holcomb and the Indiana legislatures to convene a special session and pass pro-life legislation. I will be working hard in Congress to build on today’s victory.
“Lastly, I’m astonished by the bravery of the Supreme Court Justices, who upheld their oath to the Constitution and issued an impartial, thorough and correct decision, even in the face of a murder attempt and a coordinated left-wing intimidation campaign condoned by the Biden Department of Justice. I’m praying for their safety.”
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, released a “message to the faithful,” saying, in part, “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 court on Friday, by a vote of 6-3, ended the national protection for abortion that had stood in America since the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The 1992 case Planned Parenthood v. Casey had affirmed the right to abortion.
The Supreme Court’s decision Friday came in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, regarding a Mississippi law that banned abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
In Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion, he wrote, “We therefore hold that the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion. Roe and Casey must be overruled, and the authority to regulate abortion must be returned to the people and their elected representatives.”
The decision leaves it up to each individual state to make laws regarding abortion. When a draft of Alito’s opinion had leaked about a month ago, Indiana Republican legislators were in favor of having a special session to pass state law outlawing or limiting abortion in the state, if the draft was the court’s final ruling. Gov. Eric Holcomb has called for a special session July 6 to provide a tax refund for Indiana’s taxpayers, but the abortion issue will likely be brought up then, too.
When asked for a statement from Right to Life of North Central Indiana, Dave Koontz provided the following: “Right to Life of North Central Indiana is thankful that the Supreme Court has returned power to the states to regulate abortion. While this decision does not outlaw abortion, it does give the people of Indiana the opportunity to diligently revisit the state's abortion laws and determine how they will protect unborn babies and support and care for pregnant mothers.”
Vicki Morton, Kosciusko County Democrats chair, said, “We’ve known the decision to overturn Roe has been coming for weeks now, with the leaked SCOTUS brief by Justice Alito. What was truly shocking today however was Justice Thomas’ call for the court to go further and overturn other rulings regarding same-sex marriage and the use of contraception.
“Indiana has a terrible infant mortality rate and ranks highest in the nation in several age demographics. We do not guarantee paid maternal leave and right here in Kosciusko County, even our elected Republican State Rep. Craig Snow admitted we are a childcare desert. So more forced births to parents who are not prepared, healthy, emotionally, or financially able to care for children is not the answer. Let alone the circumstances where the life of the mother, abuse or sexual assault is taken into consideration,” she said.
In his statement responding to the SCOTUS decision, Snow said, "Today's decision is a watershed moment for pro-life advocates across the nation, and I look forward to reconvening at the Statehouse to reaffirm my support for the unborn. While it's too early to speculate on what form Indiana's legislation will take, I believe we'll also find ways to increase support for pregnant women and babies."
Holcomb issued the following statement to the media on the overruling of Roe v. Wade: "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."
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, Republican, said, “This is a historic moment. 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.
Rokita stated his 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,” Rokita said.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch offered the following statement regarding the overruling of Roe v. Wade: "This is a historic day for life and for all those who respect our constitution. Now, let us turn our attention to the important work of protecting both mother and child here in Indiana."
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, Republican, said, “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.”
Last year, Young joined over 200 members of Congress in filing an amicus brief supporting the State of Mississippi in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Mississippi’s law.
Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun said, “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.”
In her statement, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, Republican, said, “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, Republican, said, “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.”
He continued, “I am reiterating my call for Governor Holcomb and the Indiana legislatures to convene a special session and pass pro-life legislation. I will be working hard in Congress to build on today’s victory.
“Lastly, I’m astonished by the bravery of the Supreme Court Justices, who upheld their oath to the Constitution and issued an impartial, thorough and correct decision, even in the face of a murder attempt and a coordinated left-wing intimidation campaign condoned by the Biden Department of Justice. I’m praying for their safety.”
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, released a “message to the faithful,” saying, in part, “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.”
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