AROUND THE U.S.: Leaders react, mobilize in states in wake of Supreme Court decision

By: - June 27, 2022 6:00 am
AZ abortion rights protest

A protester holds a sign at an abortion rights rally at the Arizona state Capitol. (Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror)

VIRGINIA:

Youngkin vows to ‘protect life’ as Supreme Court overturns right to abortion

Gov. Glenn Youngkin applauded Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision abolishing the constitutional right to an abortion and said Virginia Republicans will get to work on legislation “protecting the life of unborn children” by potentially banning most abortions after 15 weeks.

“The Supreme Court of the United States has rightfully returned power to the people and their elected representatives in the states,” Youngkin said in a statement released roughly an hour after the court handed down the seismic ruling that overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. “I’m proud to be a pro-life governor and plan to take every action I can to protect life. The truth is, Virginians want fewer abortions, not more abortions.”

WISCONSIN:

Wisconsin leaders react to Supreme Court decision eliminating abortion rights

Wisconsin politicians reacted swiftly to the news on Friday that the U.S. Supreme Court had overturned the precedent set by Roe v. Wade, which had established a federally protected right to abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Republicans, who earlier this week refused to take up Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ call to repeal Wisconsin’s 1849 felony abortion ban, were jubilant.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called Friday’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization “a victory for life.”

State Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) tweeted, “It’s a damn shame Wisconsin Republicans could have protected women during @GovEvers special session on Wednesday ahead of today’s decision by #SCOTUS to overturn Roe but CHOSE not to.”

Meanwhile, state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison) offered practical advice to her constituents: “Medication abortion is safe, easy to use, and private – every person of reproductive age should order one now at AidAccess.org. It costs about $100 and takes approximately 4 weeks to arrive, so it’s important to order now before you need it.”

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Les Zaitz
Les Zaitz

Les Zaitz is a veteran editor and investigative reporter, serving Oregon for more than 45 years. He reported for The Oregonian for 25 years and owns community newspapers and a digital news service. He is a national SPJ fellow, two-time Pulitzer finalist, including for a lengthy investigation of Mexican drug cartels in Oregon and five-time winner of Oregon’s top investigative reporting award. He has investigated corrupt state legislators, phony charities, and an international cult that moved to Oregon, and the biggest bank failure in Oregon history. He also has been active in reforming the state’s public records law and was appointed by the governor to the Oregon Public Records Advisory Council. In his spare time, he operates a ranch nestled in a national forest, feeding horses and assorted animals.

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