What Missouri's elected officials, candidates are saying about Roe v. Wade SCOTUS draft
JEFFERSON CITY — News that the U.S. Supreme Court may be poised to overturn the landmark 1973 decision Roe v. Wade, which established a woman's constitutional right to an abortion, sent waves across Missouri on Monday evening and Tuesday.
Advocacy organizations, elected officials at both the federal and state levels and candidates for office in Missouri all weighed in on a leaked draft opinion reported by POLITICO.
If the court's opinion holds true to the reported draft, it would be one of the most impactful rulings in decades, overturning nearly 50 years of legal precedent of legalized and protected abortion in the U.S. Missouri could see immediate impact from such a ruling.
"While tonight’s leaked opinion is a draft, it previews what we’ve long been preparing for — the day Roe v. Wade is overturned and the legal right to abortion comes to an end in this country," said Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, in a statement. "We knew this opinion was coming and while it’s not official, it brings us one step closer to an impending public health crisis."
Missouri Right to Life pointed to a statement from its parent organization, National Right to Life, which said it will wait for the official opinion from the Supreme Court.
"Continue to pray for the justices and our nation as we await the official opinion of the court," the group said in a statement.
The pending decision is also likely to have significant political consequences, bringing the issue of abortion back into the limelight in Missouri with a competitive U.S. Senate race topping the ballot this year.
More: Explosive leaked draft in abortion case reveals Supreme Court on verge of overturning Roe
Here's what officials and candidates in the Show-Me State said on the matter.
Hawley, U.S. Senate candidates weigh in on SCOTUS Roe v. Wade draft
U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley sent out numerous tweets Monday evening and Tuesday morning:
"The left continues its assault on the Supreme Court with an unprecedented breach of confidentiality, clearly meant to intimidate. The Justices mustn't give in to this attempt to corrupt the process. Stay strong"
"If this is the opinion of the Court, it will be one of the greatest opinions in Supreme Court history. It will save millions of lives"
"The clerk who leaked this should be disbarred. Right after the Court overturns Roe"
"No turning back now. Roe must be overruled"
The slate of candidates running for U.S. Senate to succeed U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt also weighed in.
Republican candidates supported the substance of the draft opinion while criticizing its leak.
U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler: "This leak is outrageous and dangerous. I pray and remain hopeful the Supreme Court stays true to this potential decision, but this unprecedented, intentional leak is malicious and threatens the independence of our highest court. Our judicial system should never be intimidated by the woke Left.”
Attorney General Eric Schmitt: "I've argued it in court briefings... overturn Roe v. Wade. ... The Dobbs opinion leak was unprecedented and was meant to intimidate. The Left knows it's losing. The tide is turning."
Former Gov. Eric Greitens: "Those who leaked this Supreme Court draft opinion is trying to weaponize the court and turn the sacred institution into a political cudgel during the midterm elections. Life is precious and worthy of protection—especially the unborn who are the most vulnerable.
"As governor of Missouri, I called the first ever pro-life special session because we had weak, establishment RINOs who refused to protect life and defend the sanctity of life. In spite of their efforts, we passed pro-life legislation that made Missouri the safest state in the country for the unborn. That ‘Missouri Miracle’ became the blueprint for other states to introduce their own legislation."
More: What happens if Roe v. Wade is overturned? What we know about Supreme Court's leaked draft
U.S. Rep. Billy Long: "I was a senior in high school when Roe v. Wade came down. I could not fathom how it was possible to think taking an innocent child's life could be acceptable by a civil society. I make no apologies for my #Prolife stance. But it leaked by the #SCOTUS? Someone needs to go."
Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz: "The implications of the Heartbeat Bill could soon become a reality in Missouri, which would be a major victory in the pursuit of protecting innocent life in our state and nation. Until we have the final decision, we pray that our justices are not pressured by those who seek to undermine our democratic process."
Mark McCloskey: "The Supreme Court has indicated that it will overturn Roe v. Wade. This is a huge victory for life!"
Democratic candidates, meanwhile, called on Congress to codify Roe into federal statute immediately.
Lucas Kunce: "It is fundamentally necessary that the U.S. Congress codify Roe v. Wade immediately. If they won’t, we need to replace them.
"Get rid of the filibuster and protect Americans' right to an abortion. Not ready? Get the hell out of the way."
Trudy Busch Valentine: "I remember when Roe passed. It’s heartbreaking that the Supreme Court is now on the brink of repealing it. We need to codify Roe at the federal level immediately."
Spencer Toder: "Abolish the filibuster. Legalize abortion. Stop putting people through this. It is cruel."
Follow along: 'Whole range of rights could now be at risk' if Roe v. Wade is overturned, Biden says: Live updates
State parties & officials
State lawmakers and political operatives also weighed in on the draft opinion as the legislature continues its final weeks of the session in Jefferson City.
Randy Dunn, executive director of Missouri Democratic Party: “If this opinion comes to fruition, the blow to women’s rights will be extraordinary. Roe was originally ruled in 1973 and for nearly five decades has been upheld in courts across our country. Most Americans, let alone Missourians, supported Roe v. Wade back then and now. Leading up to its historical passage, over 60% of Americans agreed that women should have unfettered access to healthcare.
"That percentage has remained stable for decades for one simple reason: it is a fundamental right. Now, in 2022, a politicized Supreme Court may be doing the unthinkable and trying to take away their right to safe and accessible healthcare. We live in America, the leader of the free world — unless you are a woman. We must not forget the radical right’s goals when we get to the ballot box at midterms."
Former Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr: "Three years ago, the (Missouri legislature) passed the “Missouri Stands for the Unborn” Act. Included therein was a provision by (Rep. Adam Schnelting) banning abortion if Roe was overturned. If this draft is accurate, Missouri will be an abortion free state!"
House Minority Leader Crystal Quade: "We knew this was the plan all along. In MO We knew this was the plan all along. In Missouri, when Roe is overturned, there will be a complete ban on abortion access. Missouri allows the (governor) or AG to ban it completely. As written, bans access past 8 (weeks). Even in cases of RAPE and INCEST. The fight is and has always been at home."
Galen Bacharier covers Missouri politics & government for the News-Leader. Contact him at gbacharier@news-leader.com, (573) 219-7440 or on Twitter @galenbacharier.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: MO Senate candidates, Josh Hawley weigh in on Roe v. Wade draft leak
