Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade draws praise, criticism from High Desert

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade has drawn praise and criticism from both sides of the table in the High Desert and throughout the region.

Victorville resident and activist Marilyn Walters, who has participated in several “Bans Off Our Bodies" rallies said the Supreme Court's decision is a “slap in the face” to millions of women across the country seeking an abortion.

“It was a devastating decision that set back women’s rights by decades,” Walters said. “What else will the court take away from us? It’s time to fight back.”

Activist Maria Montes of Hesperia said she is very disappointed with the court’s decision, adding that “Women's decisions need to be between their family, their faith counselor and their physician.”

According to Montes, a “Bans Off Our Bodies” rally was planned for 6 p.m. on Friday, June 24 at the Victorville Superior Court,14455 Civic Drive.

Meanwhile, Rep. Jay Obernolte on Friday issued a statement, saying however one feels about abortion, every individual should be able to respect the decision the Supreme Court reached.

“We are a nation based on the rule of written law. Our Constitution does not mention abortion, and Congress has passed no law regulating it,” Obernolte said. “The court recognized this in determining that because the federal government has not preempted the states on abortion, the ability to write laws concerning abortion, therefore, rests with the states.”

Obernolte added that it was also found that the original Roe v. Wade decision was flawed because it was based on a presumption of an unenumerated right to privacy that is not written anywhere in federal law.

“The job of our courts is to interpret our constitution and the laws passed by our legislature, not to create laws themselves,” said the Republican congressman who represents California's 8th District.

The opinion says “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”

“Everyone, whether pro-choice or pro-life, can agree with that statement. The Supreme Court reaffirmed our commitment to the rule of law in issuing its decision today,” Obernolte concluded.

Stanton Healthcare of Southern California, which has an office in Victorville, issued an online statement on Friday.

“Roe v. Wade has officially been overturned! Many trigger laws around the U.S are now in effect!” Stanton officials said. “These laws either make abortion illegal or significantly reduce the amount of abortions in those states,”

Here in California, we have no trigger law. In fact, many abortion-minded mothers will travel to California seeking an abortion. Our work is more important than ever, the Stanton statement said.

“We are on the front lines of helping mothers choose life for their babies,” Stanton said. “Please pray for us as we are sure to receive some backlash in our community from pro-choice activists. Pray for the safety of our staff and volunteers, pray for the women we serve and the babies in their wombs!”

Executive Director Emiliana Guereca of the Los Angeles-based Women’s March Action said that “The right-wing has taken over the Supreme Court and women’s rights are being decimated.”

Today’s decision led by an “extreme right majority” on the nation’s highest Court will set women, and us all, back decades, Guereca said.

Guereca added that women and allies — who make up the majority of the country —will not stand idly by and watch their rights stripped from them without recourse.

“We will fight back. We will take to the streets in red to show the blood they have on their hands,” Guereca said. “The work is already underway and will continue to put a stop to the draconian rollback of our rights and freedoms.”

Rose Of Sharon Director Margaret Brown told the Daily Press that the Victorville nonprofit Has been committed to helping those who come through our doors, and in our community, for over 25 years. We have always been committed to helping those in need and we plan to continue to do so.”

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Praise, criticism comes after court's decision on Roe v. Wade in High Desert