Reactions to SCOTUS decision predictably mixed in Pa.

Jun. 24—Friday's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down federal abortion protections first granted a half-century ago by Roe v. Wade elicited strong, opposing reactions across Pennsylvania.

Activists with Planned Parenthood PA Advocates and the Women's Law Project stressed that abortion remains legal in Pennsylvania.

The Supreme Court decision returns regulatory power to states and at least for now, Pennsylvania state government isn't positioned politically to enact a ban or further restrictions.

"We're going to fight like hell to keep it that way," Signe Espinoza, executive director of Planned Parenthood PA Advocates, said of keeping abortion legal. "This is white supremacy in front of us and make no mistake, this is the beginning of a very long fight."

Abortion providers remain in operation and according to advocates, expect a surge in patients from neighboring states like Ohio and West Virginia where the medical procedure is in line to be banned this year.

A joint statement from Pennsylvania House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, and House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Centre/Mifflin, reiterated that the ruling "reestablishes the authority of states to regulate abortion."

"This ruling presents a necessary opportunity to examine our existing abortion law, and discussions around possible changes are already underway," the statement read.

Pennsylvania Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland, acknowledged Gov. Tom Wolf's position as a supporter of reproductive rights, one that's inspired him to veto three separate anti-abortion measures during his two terms in office.

"Pennsylvania's current law will remain intact until the governor is willing to work with the Legislature in a bipartisan manner, or the Legislature passes a constitutional amendment that gives the citizens the opportunity to pass a sanctity of life measure via the ballot," Ward said.

Pennsylvania governors are limited to two terms. Wolf's time in office ends with the installation of a new governor mid-January — the winner of the November election. Wolf expressed that he was "deeply disappointed" in the high court's ruling.

"The right to bodily autonomy — and privacy as a whole — is under attack in this country. We must do more to protect the rights of women and pregnant people in every state across the country that doesn't have a governor willing to wield their veto pen," Wolf said. "As we approach a critical election cycle here in Pennsylvania, I cannot stress enough how important it is to exercise your personal right to vote. Elections matter."

State Senate Democratic Leader Senator Jay Costa said the Supreme Court's decision is "completely out of step" with a majority of Americans, an opinion shared by fellow Democrats in the state Senate.

"The Supreme Court's decision is absolutely gutting and a severe blow to women across the country," said state Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks, co-chair of the Women's Health Caucus. "We have a maternal mortality crisis in the commonwealth and the U.S. that will only be furthered by this reckless and ideologically driven decision. Our goal now needs to be preserving the access Pennsylvanians currently have to reproductive health care that will no doubt be subject to renewed attacks in the state Legislature."

The Pennsylvania Family Institute, which is opposed to abortion, took Friday's ruling as a chance to rally support around Pennsylvania Senate Bill 956 — a proposed amendment to the state constitution declaring there is no inherent right to abortion or funding for abortion in the state.

"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 Pennsylvania Family Institute. "Overturning (Roe v. Wade) is a huge step toward ensuring women, children and families are fully protected. While we join with thousands across the state in celebrating what we all have been praying and advocating for, we also need to continue to link arms together in our efforts to protect unborn life in Pennsylvania and across the nation."

The Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg noted that services through Catholic Charities include maternity and pregnancy support, adoption and foster care.

The Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop of Harrisburg, called life a "precious gift from God," one that must be "protected and respected" from conception through death.

"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," Gainer said.