Live PA coverage: Roe v. Wade overturned in landmark Supreme Court ruling

This is live coverage of Pennsylvania's reaction to the Roe v. Wade decision. Check back regularly for updates.

The U.S. Supreme Court released its decision to overturn Roe V. Wade Friday, rolling back federal protection for abortion rights. The decision was first revealed in a rare leak of a draft opinion last month, kicking off nationwide protests.

The decision comes in a challenge to Mississippi's 2018 law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Associate Justice Samuel Alito wrote the opinion for a 6-3 majority, with the court's liberal justices in dissent.

"Roe was egregiously wrong from the start," Alito wrote for the majority. "Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences."

More: Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, eliminating constitutional right to abortion

More: The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. What happens next in Pa.?

The decision is likely to spark protests and demonstrations nationwide.

In Pennsylvania, a poll conducted recently indicated that 58% of likely voters want to protect abortion rights. Approximately 30% want to restrict abortion, with 11% undecided and 1% who declined to answer the question.

Following are reactions to the decision from across Pennsylvania:

John Fetterman: ruling puts abortion on the ballot

Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman, who has supported open access to abortion as health care, said the court ruling will put reproductive rights "on the ballot in November."

“Deciding how and when to become a mother is a decision that should always be made by a woman and her doctor — not politicians.If there were any doubts left about what’s at stake in this race, it became crystal clear today. The right to an abortion will be on the ballot this November in Pennsylvania."

"I will protect abortion rights. Dr. Oz will take them away. It’s that simple.”

Mehmet Oz: Overturning Roe v. Wade a "gift" for "mothers and children"

Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz issued a statement Friday afternoon praising the court's ruling for putting abortion access back to the states.

Oz has said during the campaign he supported restricting abortion access except in cases of rape or incest or when the life of the mother is at risk.

"The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe V. Wade is to many considered controversial. I respect those with a different view, but as a heart surgeon, I've held the smallest of human hearts in the palm of my hand, and I will defend the sanctity of life. I am relieved that protecting the lives of America's unborn children will once again be decided by the people through their elected representatives. As we lift up life, we must focus on the needs of mothers and children, for whom this decision can be the greatest gift of all."

Doug Mastriano: Roe v. Wade relegated to ash heap of history

Republican gubernatorial nominee for Pennsylvania Doug Mastriano issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

“Roe v. Wade is rightly relegated to the ash heap of history. As the abortion debate returns to the states, Pennsylvania must be prepared to lead the nation in being a voice for the voiceless. While this decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is a triumph for innocent life, it must not take our focus away from the key issues facing Pennsylvania families.

“Pennsylvanians will not be distracted by the hysterics of the left as they exploit this ruling to try to fulfill their far-left agenda. As they struggle with all-time record-high inflation, the people care deeply about the price of gas and groceries, as well as out-of-control crime and good-paying jobs – which is exactly why I will prioritize these issues as their governor.”

More: Jim Obergefell says SCOTUS abortion ruling paints target on privacy rights, gay marriage

Josh Shapiro: "Tragic day for our country"

Pennsylvania attorney general and Democratic candidate for governor Josh Shapiro said during a press call that Friday was a “devastating day” across the state and the country.

Shapiro said the court’s ruling kicking abortion access and reproductive rights to the states has put new emphasis on his gubernatorial race against Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano, of Franklin County.

Mastriano has called for banning abortion in Pennsylvania without exception in cases of rape or incest. Mastriano also reintroduced Senate Bill 378 earlier this year, which would prohibit abortion once a physician detects a fetal heartbeat.

“Our legislature is poised to pass a bill that would outlaw abortion and criminalize doctors for providing reproductive health care … There is one way, and one way only, to ensure that abortions remain legal in Pennsylvania is by winning this governors race,” Shapiro said.

Veteran political expert G. Terry Madonna said Friday the Roe v. Wade ruling would most certainly become a “major factor” at the polls in November.

“If the Republicans control the legislature and Mastriano would become governor, I don’t think there’s any doubt that there would be an effort by the pro-lifers to modify or completely get rid of Pennsylvania’s abortion law,” Madonna said.

State Rep. Austin Davis, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, echoed the critical role control of the executive branch plays in the abortion debate as he joined Shapiro’s press call Friday.

“I sit in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and I’ve watched my Republican colleagues already pass bills to restrict abortion in Pennsylvania. The only reason those bills have failed to become law is because of the veto pen of our Democratic governor,” Davis said.

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PA Democratic Party: Ruling opens door to Doug Mastriano's dangerous agenda

Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesperson Marisa Nahem issued the following statement:

“Today’s SCOTUS news is an unprecedented reminder that reproductive rights are on the ballot in 2022 — and Republicans’ anti-choice extremist nominee for Governor Doug Mastriano has made crystal clear his dangerous agenda to outlaw abortion with no exceptions and throw doctors in jail for performing abortions.

“After today, Pennsylvanians understand that there’s nothing stopping Mastriano and Harrisburg Republicans from taking away reproductive rights. Mastriano has made clear that outlawing abortion is his ‘number one issue,’ — he’s twice sponsored draconian abortion bans and even compared abortion to the Holocaust — and he’s leaving no doubt that the stakes in this Governor’s race couldn’t be higher for reproductive rights. But while Mastriano is hellbent on outlawing abortion and restricting access to reproductive healthcare, Josh Shapiro will always protect our freedoms — including a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions.”

Pennsylvania Family Institute: "A huge step"

The nonprofit Pennsylvania Family Institute hailed the court's decision.

“From the very beginning of our organization back in 1989, protecting the sanctity of human life has been paramount,” said Michael Geer, the founding president of the institute. “Overturning Roe is a huge step towards ensuring women, children and families are fully protected.”

Retired Judge Cheryl Allen of the Pennsylvania Family Institute called the ruling, "a monumental victory for unborn children and their mothers. For the past 50 years, and after over two million abortions here in Pennsylvania, Roe has held states back from acknowledging medical advancements that have allowed all of us to more fully observe the humanity of unborn children.”

Planned Parenthood in Pennsylvania: "Catastrophic"

With the court's decision, Pennsylvania will become an even greater “access point” for abortion care and local centers will need to serve a growing number of women from other states, said Melissa Reed, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Keystone, which is based in Warminster.

“We are growing our abortion assistance fund to ensure that patients can access care, no matter their ability to pay," said Reed. “We will fight like hell to make sure everyone has access to the care they need, the ability to control their own bodies, and build their own futures — no matter where they’re from.”

Based in Warminster, Planned Parenthood Keystone works with chapters in Harrisburg and Philadelphia to provide reproductive health services to more than 22,000 women per year, said Reed. Every year, the organization performs about 7,500 medically induced or surgical abortions, Reed estimated.

Reed described the court’s decision as “catastrophic,” particularly for Black, Latino and low-income Americans. “This decision means that 36 million people could lose access to abortion care,” Reed estimated. “We know that poor, Black, and other historically marginalized people with be most negatively impacted, because we’ve seen this play out already in states like Texas.”

Gov. Wolf: "Deeply disappointed"

"Abortion will stay legal in Pennsylvania as long as I'm governor," Gov. Tom Wolf said in a Twitter post Friday.

Wolf's final term as governor ends this year, with Shapiro running against Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano to replace Wolf in 2022.

Impact across Pa.:Will ruling have disproportionate effect on people of color?

Mastriano has said he would oppose abortion access without exception in cases of rape or incest.

“First and most importantly, it is critical that everyone understands that abortion services are available and unharmed in Pennsylvania by today’s Supreme Court action ... Nonetheless, I am deeply disappointed in today’s Supreme Court opinion and the impact this decision will have nationwide," Wolf said. "The right to bodily autonomy—and privacy as a whole — is under attack in this country."

Abortion clinics: Supreme Court Roe v. Wade ruling could limit centers in PA. A look at where they're located

Pro-Life Union: Fight is just beginning

Representatives of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia said the ruling is a challenge to all Americans, who need to love and support mothers through pregnancy.

“In many ways, the fight for Pennsylvania’s unborn children is just beginning,” said Tom Stevens, president and CEO of the pro-life union. “Now we will work to ensure the legal protection of all our citizens from the moment of conception, and we will redouble our efforts in assisting every mother who needs help during and after her pregnancy."

More: Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade will not change abortion access in NJ

Sen. Pat Toomey: "A win for the unborn"

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey R-Pa., said: “The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization restores the American people’s ability to determine abortion laws through their elected representatives, as the Constitution requires. Precedents that are wrongly decided should be overturned, just as Brown v. Board of Education was right to overturn Plessy v. Ferguson. This ruling is a win for the unborn, the Constitution, and democratic governance.”

ACLU of PA: A radical step in the absolute wrong direction

Sara Rose, deputy legal director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania wrote: “It is unheard of for the Supreme Court to overturn a right that Americans have known for nearly five decades. This ruling is a radical step in the absolute wrong direction. We plan our lives around long-established rights, and there’s no telling how far this court will go in rolling back its own precedents, from birth control to marrying who we love to even the right to vote.”

Sen. Bob Casey: Dangerous ruling

U.S. Senator Bob Casey, D-Pa., wrote: “Today’s decision upends almost a half century of legal precedent and rips away a constitutional right that generations of women have known their entire lives. This dangerous ruling won’t end abortions in this country, but it will put women’s lives at risk. And make no mistake — this is not the end goal, it’s just the beginning. Republicans in Congress want to pass federal legislation to completely ban abortion. Our daughters and granddaughters should not grow up with fewer rights than their mothers.”

Archbishop of Philadelphia: "life is God’s most precious gift"

Archbishop of Philadelphia Nelson Perez issued the following statement on CatholicPhilly within minutes of the announcement. The archdiocese covers over 1.5 million Catholics on Philadelphia and its suburban counties, including Bucks and Montgomery.

"I am grateful to the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States for their willingness to hear Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, and for their opinion, which affirms the deep value inherent to every human life.­ As Catholics, we believe that life is God’s most precious gift and that we share a responsibility to uphold its beauty and sanctity from conception to natural death. In addition to being strong advocates for the unborn, this responsibility extends to caring for the hungry, the poor, the sick, the immigrant, the elderly, the oppressed, and any of our brothers and sisters who are marginalized. In short, to be truly pro-life means to recognize the presence of God in everyone and to care for them accordingly."

PA Democratic Party chair: GOP hellbent on taking away Pennsylvanians' rights

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Vice-Chair Peggy Grove issued the following statement:

"The Supreme Court’s decision is a result of Republicans’ unprecedented and unpopular attacks on reproductive rights. This decision only stands to embolden extreme Republicans — including right here in Pennsylvania where Republican candidate for Governor Doug Mastriano and Republican candidate for Senate Mehmet Oz are hellbent on taking away Pennsylvanians' rights. Continued attacks on abortion access, birth control and women’s health care have made it crystal clear that out-of-touch Republicans are coming for our fundamental freedoms.

State Rep. Madden: Back to square one

Pa. State Rep. Maureen Madden, D-115, wrote: "It's really a devastating day for women, for our independence, for our right to control our bodies. It moves all of the gains and all of the equality that we have worked for over half a century back to square one. And now we're at the mercy of whatever right-wing governor is in office in any state, and it can change. If Doug Mastriano wins, then all of a sudden we outlaw abortion, and then in four years, if a Democratic wins, then we make abortion legal again. It's just going to be in this endless vicious cycle now. The devastating effects of Donald Trump's presidency are going to be felt for decades to come."

People for Life: "A great milestone"

Tim Broderick, executive director of People for Life, an Erie-based nonprofit organization formed in 1975 that opposes abortion rights, called the Supreme Court's decision "a great milestone."

"It has been a goal of ours from the beginning," Broderick said. "I was sure it would happen someday but I was not expecting it this soon."

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly: "Each of us has the right to life"

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, a Republican whose 16^th District includes Erie and Crawford counties, said the ruling was "a major victory."

"All little boys and little girls deserve a chance at life, and this ruling ensures they will get that chance. The right to life is not just for some of us. It is for all of us," Kelly said. "I want to speak directly to those who have had abortions and struggle with their decision: you should know that forgiveness and grace – for yourself and others – will help heal those emotional wounds. As we move forward, I encourage everyone to remember a core tenet of this country that still holds true today: each of us has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Right to privacy in jeopardy

Lauren Peterson, executive director of Women's Resources of Monroe County, wrote: "Reproductive choice must not be limited for anyone, regardless of who they are or what their story is. For victims of sexual violence and intimate partner violence, restricting their private healthcare decisions pending the trauma of disclosure is coercive and inappropriate. Privacy is fundamental to everyone, including survivors seeking safety and health care; they rely on this protection to feel safe seeking help and accessing services. The overturning of Roe vs Wade by the Supreme Court puts the constitutional right to privacy in jeopardy and puts survivors at risk of additional harm. Reproductive coercion, forced pregnancies, forced abortions, and rape resulting in pregnancy are all risk factors that undermine victims’ physical and psychological safety and well-being. Options, choices, and empowerment help to restore a victim’s sense of control and safety after an assault. We do not support any actions that limit those options and allow government to dictate what choices a person can make about their personal lives and bodies."

Monroe County NAACP: "Women will have no choice but to bear children of incest"

Christa Caceres, president, NAACP Monroe County Branch #2275, wrote: "Our democracy is absolutely on life support, and we have legislators pinching the oxygen tube. That's what's happening. Women will have no choice but to bear children of incest, sexual abuse and rape. Women will feel obligated to remain with their abusers, our bodies will become property of the U.S. government. And we have female legislators in the Pocono Mountains who refuse to respect the rights of women to make decisions for their own bodies. But yet, they won't raise the minimum wage, so children that are forced to be born can't be properly cared for. They do nothing about the lack of affordable housing, so these children who will have to be born won't have a safe place or comfortable place to live. Education is being attacked, so that children who are forced to be born in this country will not know where their ancestors came from, and what this country was actually built upon. We are really going into a place where our constitution is going to be rewritten. Our state legislatures are going to be stripped. We're already seeing now that some legislators are trying to take away power from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. We are really seeing a serious, serious erosion of what this country was built on, and I just don't know, if the electorate really recognizes what's happening."

PA House leaders: Opportunity to examine our existing abortion law

In a joint statement Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre/Mifflin, touted the ruling as reestablishing the authority of states to regulate abortion. "The ruling once again makes clear it is the authority of individual states to establish laws that are in the best interest of their residents," their statement read. “It is important to point out Pennsylvania’s Abortion Control Act remains in effect, and places firm restrictions on abortions in our Commonwealth including a ban on all late-term abortion procedures. This ruling presents a necessary opportunity to examine our existing abortion law, and discussions around possible changes are already underway.”

Rep. Kate Klunk: Protect citizens, born and unborn

State Rep. Kate Klunk, R-Hanover, wrote" “I believe one of the universal core values of government is the protection of its citizens: born and unborn. As co-chair of the Pro-Life Caucus, I will continue to promote legislation that protects the unborn while also valuing women’s health, improving children’s access to health care, supporting schooling, job training and other important programs that lead to opportunity and good quality of life for all.”

Klunk noted that House Republicans have advanced several bills to address abortion issues: House Bill 1500, authored by Klunk, would prohibit abortions based on fetal diagnosis of Down syndrome; House Bill 904 would prohibit an abortion from being performed if a fetal heartbeat is detected. In addition, she said, an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution was recently proposed to clarify that there is no right to an abortion or abortion funding within the Constitution.

Sen. Steve Santarsiero: Expect a fight in Harrisburg

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat who represents a large part of Bucks County outside of Philadelphia, called the ruling unacceptable, in a statement released Friday. He said he would fight legislation to restrict access to abortions in Pennsylvania, saying he expects a fight in Harrisburg.

“Today, and every day, I stand in support of a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions and that includes access to a safe and legal abortion, " Santarsiero said. "... By removing a national framework for women’s access to abortion, every state is left to determine the right to reproductive freedom. While abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania today, Republicans in our legislature will make every effort to overturn women's reproductive rights here in the Commonwealth.”

Harrisburg's Bishop Gainer calls for peace, respect

The Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, has issued a statement on the Supreme Court's decision:

“The Catholic Church has long taught that all life is a precious gift from God. This life is to be protected and respected from the moment of conception to that of natural death. Today’s ruling from the Supreme Court in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is an important step in furthering the protection of the most vulnerable, infants in the womb. As a pro-life Church, not only do we support parents facing an unplanned or difficult pregnancy, we also continue our efforts to support the needs of the elderly, the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the refugee and immigrant, and those who have been marginalized.

“It is my prayer that as we face the uncertainties ahead, we can do so peacefully, working together to respect the concerns of our brothers and sisters, while also striving to build a society where all life is protected.”

Erie bishop: "a challenging moment for all Americans"

Statement from Erie Catholic Bishop Lawrence T. Persico:

"The Catholic Church has long emphasized its commitment to respecting life from conception through natural death. While Dobbs v. Jackson is an important ruling, we acknowledge there are many complexities involved with unexpected pregnancies and recognize this is a challenging moment for all Americans. It is our hope we can play a role in healing and unity.

"Everyone should know how to help parents in difficult circumstances. They need significant support and true accompaniment. Many parishes in the Diocese of Erie have relationships with a variety of organizations and resources for parents in need. The diocesan Office of Social Justice and Life hopes to build on the work that is already in place, tapping into a network of advocates knowledgeable about a wide array of services and support.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has developed a new initiative, Walking with Moms in Need, accessible at www.walkingwithmoms.com. It is a step in the right direction. We believe all life is sacred and are committed to the significant amount of work that remains to be done.

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry: Restoring states' rights

U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, York County, tweeted: "Today’s SCOTUS decision is a monumental victory for the unborn, and Constitutionally restores the rights of the States’ and Citizens’ to adjudicate this issue for themselves."

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Roe v. Wade overturned: Live PA updates on historic Supreme Court ruling