Opinion on potential defeat of Roe divides many in Pa.

May 4—WILKES-BARRE — Suzanne Beck, the CEO of the Victims Resource Center, expressed her concerns with the possible striking down of Roe v. Wade.

"Abortions won't stop, they'll just become more dangerous," Beck said. "More women may end up at risk, we will do whatever we can to make sure it doesn't happen."

The Victims Resource Center, with locations in Carbon County, Wyoming County and in Wilkes-Barre Township's East End Centre here in Luzerne County, is an organization that helps victims of crime in a variety of ways, including available counseling services.

Opinion in Northeastern Pennsylvania, like much of the nation, was divided Tuesday following Monday night's leaked draft of a ruling that would overturn landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision which ruled a pregnant woman's access to abortions protected under the U.S. Constitution.

In Beck's view, the outcome would be devastating for women's health and safety.

"We are an empowerment-based organization, we empower women to make their choices and we give them options," Beck said Tuesday. "To have an option taken away from them, that's very concerning."

If the decision holds up, the laws regarding abortion rights and access will be rolled back at a federal level, and the choice to restrict access would be left to the states to decide.

Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement released Tuesday that "abortion access in Pennsylvania will remain legal and safe as long as I am governor."

With Democrat Wolf's second and final term coming to an end in January of next year, the potential for a Republican successor means things could change in Pennsylvania.

For some, that change would be welcome.

'Abortion should be illegal'

Wilkes-Barre resident Alex Partika didn't mince words when asked his thoughts on abortion, and on Roe v. Wade.

"Abortion should be illegal," he said Tuesday. "Under no circumstances should it be allowed."

Partika, a pro-life advocate, cited his religious beliefs as cause for his stance, and called for abortion to be restricted not just in Pennsylvania, but all across the United States.

"It will be state by state, but it should be illegal across the country."

A statement provided to the Times Leader by the Diocese of Scranton refrained from commenting on the leaked decision draft, while reiterating the Catholic Church's stance on abortion.

"The teaching of the Catholic Church on abortion has been always been clear and unchangeable," the statement reads.

"The Diocese of Scranton has no comment on what appears to be a leaked draft opinion document regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. The Diocese will reserve its comment for when the Supreme Court's opinion is officially released."

'We will fight back'

Conversely, a statement issued by Planned Parenthood Keystone blasted the leaked decision, calling it "as dangerous as it is unprecedented."

"The court, which is now dominated by Justices who are hostile to our freedoms, has failed this country," reads the statement, issued Tuesday afternoon. "We are disheartened, we are furious, and we will fight back."

The release also said that Planned Parenthood, along with partner organizations, will be mobilizing supporters across the nation on May 14 to "tell the Supreme Court, our legislators and our opposition: Bans off our bodies."

There's no word on what specific action will be taken on this date, but the release notes that supporters looking to take action could check out Planned Parenthood Keystone's social media platforms for more information.

Planned Parenthood Keystone CEO and President Melissa Reed echoed the sentiments of Beck and the Victims Resource Center in saying that the organization will not be deterred by the Supreme Court's decision, if it comes to pass.

"Planned Parenthood Keystone has been preparing for this moment," Reed said. "Our doors are open, and we will continue to fight to make sure everyone has the power to control their own bodies, lives, and futures."