Sylvanians react: Roe v Wade repeal celebrated by some, upsetting to others
After Roe v. Wade was repealed on Friday, June 24, anti-abortion activists were seen cheering, while many reproductive rights activists became infuriated, leading to protests from both sides across the U.S. How are Sylvanians feeling about the repeal?
The Sylvania Telephone posted on multiple Facebook groups related to Sylvania or Screven County life, asking residents for their thoughts on this issue. The majority of commenters on the "Screven Revamped" group were strongly against the repeal.
"We’ve been set back 50 years!" said Dawn Sturgess. "They’ll never get rid of abortion. They’re just getting rid of safe, legal abortions. We are gonna start seeing women attempting to abort babies themselves, maiming and or harming themselves and their fetuses."
"Sooo many people are quick to judge the action of others without knowing the full story or situation so a lot of people would rather the world not know their problems," said Christopher Loos. "All that's gonna happen now is unsafe abortions and suicide rates will climb."
"We can’t be called land of the free if we’re not allowed to do what we want to our bodies," said Reyna Kaye.
One of the group members, Jake Gay, spoke in favor of the decision, saying "Abortion is not mentioned in the Constitution therefore there was no basis for it to ever make it to SCOTUS to begin with."
In another Facebook group, "Screven County News," James Howard said "This is something I have been praying for since the unchristian decision was made" and "God smiled at the resolve of all Christians who preserved to change this truly evil law."
The Sylvania Telephone also reached out to the Screven County Commissioners via email to ask for their thoughts. As of Monday, John Triplett was the only one to send a comment. He said "I believe we were set up as a democratic republic to allow each state to make decisions they feel that best represents their people. I think this decision by the Supreme Court is one step closer to more state rights and empowers the individual voter even more."
Abortion laws will now be determined by each state. Without Roe v. Wade's precedent, it clears the way for Georgia's heartbeat bill, which would prevent abortions once a fetus' heartbeat can be detected. The American Pediatric Association says a heartbeat may be detected as early as 5.5 to 6.5 weeks into gestation. The heartbeat bill also allows for abortions for a medical crisis, rape or incest.
Gov. Brian Kemp is working to put the bill into effect as soon as possible. Until he does, Georgia limits abortions after 20 weeks post fertilization, according to the state chapter of Planned Parenthood.
The closest abortion providers to Sylvania are in Augusta at A Preferred Women's Health Center of Augusta, or in Savannah at Savannah Medical Center and Planned Parenthood.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Sylvanians react to Roe v. Wade repeal with mixture of joy and anger
