(WSIL) --ÌýThe Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years â€� a decision by its conservative majority to overturn the court's landmark abortion cases.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) disagreed with Friday's announcement saying in a statement,
"As a result, millions of Americans are waking up in a country where they have fewer rights than their parents and grandparents.ÌýThe bottom line: on critical, personal choices involving a woman’s right to make reproductive decisions about her own body, do you trust her or the government?Ìý The Supreme Court now says a woman’s right to privacy does not extend to the most personal, private choice she will ever face."
“The Senate Judiciary Committee will explore the grim reality of a post-RoeÌýAmerica in a hearing next month. The Court’s decision to erase the right to access an abortion will not only lead to the denial of critical health care services, but also criminal consequences for women and health care providers in states eager to embrace draconian restrictions. I will keep fighting to enshrine into law a woman’s right to make her own reproductive choices. We cannot let our children inherit a nation that is less free and more dangerous than the one their parents grew up in.â€�
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) called the decision Friday courageous and correct.
“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."
“Millions of Americans have spent half a century praying, marching, and working toward today’s historic victories for the rule of law and for innocent life. I have been proud to stand with them throughout our long journey and I share their joy today.�
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) released a statement on the opinion saying it's dangerous and outrageous.
“I am outraged and horrified—this outcome is a nightmare that robsÌýwomen of their right to make their own choices about their healthcare and their bodies, and it paves the way for a nationwide abortion ban that Republicans have been seeking for decades.ÌýMillions of American families—including my own—have relied onÌýRoe v. WadeÌýfor almost 50 years, and 70% of Americans believe it should remain the law of the land. The Supreme Court of the United States and the Justices who claimedÌýRoeÌýwas ‘settled law,â€� but then turned around and ruled otherwise, will—as Justice Sotomayor saidâ€�'struggle to survive the stenchâ€� of this extreme decision.
“In a nation with a growing maternal mortality crisis and often inaccessible healthcare, without affordable child care or universal paid leave, forcing births onÌýanyone—even when the mother’s life could be at risk—isÌýnot onlyÌýcruel,Ìýit will also be deadly.ÌýDoctorsÌýworking in states where abortion, or even management of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, is outlawed could evenÌýbe threatened with prison for daring to save a patient’s life. Victims of rape could be forced toÌýrelive their trauma every day.
“I refuse to let my daughters grow up in a world with fewer rights than I had. As Republicans continue their march toward a nationwide abortion ban, I will do everything in my power to ensure that Illinois remains a safe haven for all women seeking reproductive care. It is as important as ever that the Senate acts to codifyÌýRoe v. WadeÌýinto law so that every American in every state has equal access to basic, necessary healthcare—regardless of their skin color, zip codeÌýor income.â€�
U.S. Sen. Mike Bost (R-Illinois) applauds the Supreme Court's decision.
“The issue of life is one that’s very personal to my wife, Tracy, and me; it’s the reason we got involved in politics nearly 40 years ago. I agree wholeheartedly with the Supreme Court’s decision to restore power to the American people to determine for themselves how abortion services are regulated in their state. It’s a historic decision that will help save the lives of countless innocent unborn children. As liberals in Illinois and Washington undoubtedly push forward with their abortion on-demand agenda, I’ll keep fighting to protect the lives of the unborn.�
U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) called it a momentous day in America.Ìý
"This is a momentous day in America, when the efforts of generations of modern-day abolitionists comes to fruition. One of the most unjust decisions in American history has been overturned."
U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Missouri) supported the moment he called historic.
"Today marks an historic moment in the decades-long fight to protect the unborn. The Court’s decision makes clear that the Constitution gives state legislatures � not unelected judges � the freedom to answer the question of when life begins."
“I’m incredibly grateful to the generations of Americans who have dedicated so much to defending the most vulnerable members of society. But the fight to protect life is not over, as Washington Democrats are more determined than ever to force their radical pro-abortion agenda on communities across the nation."
Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) said in a statement she was pleased with the opinion.Ìý
"As a pro-life legislator, I am pleased to see the United States Supreme Court’s decision to vacate Roe v. Wade and finally return the issue of abortion back to elected officials and the people they represent. I have always strongly felt that the original decision in 1973 was incorrectly made, which has led to the heartbreaking end of innocent life for five decades.
“It is clear that the Democrats in this state will now use this decision as means to ram through even more aggressive and unpopular abortions laws than the ones they have already put in place. Roughly an hour after this decision was released our Governor is already calling for a special session to deal with the impact of the ruling, even though he knows it doesn’t change anything in our state.Ìý
“Despite what Gov. Pritzker and his Democrat allies tell you, this decision does not impact the radical abortion laws in Illinois. This decision will not end taxpayer-funded and late-term abortions. It will not prevent a minor to undergo a surgical procedure without their parents� knowledge despite how unpopular that practice is with the people of our state.
“Those claiming otherwise are being disingenuous and trying to shift the narrative for political purposes.�
Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) also applauded the decision made Friday morning.Ìý
"Today's historic decision by the United States Supreme Court corrects a 50-year-old mistake that took away a state's ability to regulate abortion. I am a pro-life legislator, a conservative Republican, a husband, father, and grandfather. I'm the only physician of any kind serving in the General Assembly. I have dedicated my life to improving the quality of life of other people. I strongly value life and the protection of unborn children.
"Progressive Democrat politicians currently running Illinois have enacted laws that make Illinois an abortion destination state where someone can have an abortion paid for by the taxpayer for any reason at any time of pregnancy up to and including birth. I find these policies to be extreme and offensive. I will continue my efforts to repeal these irresponsible laws, and return legal protection to the unborn that has been denied to them through Governor Pritzker and leftist Democrats' radical policy decisions.
"In the race for 118th district State Representative, I am proudly endorsed by the Illinois Federation for Right to Life, Illinois Citizens for Life, and Illinois Family Action. These endorsements reflect my firm commitment to protecting unborn children. When I am re-elected, I will continue these efforts in earnest."
Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) said he supports the landmark decision.Ìý
"I am personally pro-life and have a record of supporting and sponsoring legislation that seeks to protect the unborn. I am heartened by today's decision and believe this is the right path forward for protecting the sanctity of life.
"Unfortunately in Illinois, not much will change at this time despite my best efforts and the efforts of my pro-life colleagues. Illinois is led by Democratic politicians that favor zero restrictions on abortions, which makes their governing philosophy out of step with the average person.
As Governor Pritzker calls legislators back to Springfield for a special session, my constituents should know that I will stand strong against further attempts to expand taxpayer-funded abortion on demand. I will maintain my 100% pro-life voting record."
