Here’s reactions from the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade.
Senator John Thune released the following:
WASHINGTON, D.C.(Press Release) — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturns Roe v. Wade:
“This decision to overturn Roe is long overdue, and it’s a historic day in the pro-life movement,” said Thune. “Our country is dedicated to the defense of human rights, and I hope that we can further live up to that promise with the question of abortion now rightfully returned to the states, the democratic process, and to elected officials who can be held accountable to the American people for their decisions.”
Senator Mike Rounds:
“I am pro-life and firmly believe abortion is wrong. I am pleased with today’s historic ruling by the Supreme Court, overruling Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Today’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization corrects a nearly 50-year old mistake by concluding that, “the Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision.” This monumental decision returns power to the people’s elected representatives, allowing the states to determine the extent to which abortions are legal.
The Supreme Court now confirms the states as the appropriate authority to make decisions in regard to the issue of abortion. I believe we also have an inherent responsibility to promote policies assuring individuals that choosing life is the right decision and that resources are available to help them at this emotional and consequential time in their life.
In South Dakota, we anticipated the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade as far back as 2005 when the legislature passed and I signed into law specific legislation prohibiting abortions within our state except to save the life of the mother.”
Congressman Dusty Johnson:
WASHINGTON, D.C.(Press Release) – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
“I’ve never believed the Roe v. Wade decision – which was ultimately a personal privacy case – was a justification to take a human life,” said Johnson. “The unborn deserve protection.”
The South Dakota Democratic Party released the following statement.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(Press Release) – The South Dakota Democratic Party released the following statement today with regard to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:
Today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade immediately enacts South Dakota’s trigger laws making abortion illegal no matter the circumstance. South Dakotans have shown at the ballot box that they do not support a ban on abortion, but Kristi Noem and Republican officials continue to enact an extreme, out-of-touch agenda.
Last year, Kristi Noem told the Argus Leader she opposes abortion with no exceptions, including cases of rape and incest: “Noem told the Argus Leader this week that she is an absolutist on the [abortion], not even compromising in the event of rape or incest.”
Kristi Noem’s extremist views are out-of-line with most South Dakotans and put partisan goals above common sense. While Kristi Noem claims to be a champion for freedom, in reality, she’s the number one advocate for controlling the lives of South Dakotans.
All South Dakotans deserve the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions – including the choice to have an abortion. Reproductive rights are on the ballot in November and South Dakotans will make their voice heard. Kristi Noem and Republicans will have to answer to voters for their attacks on reproductive freedom.
It’s time to elect Democrats who will defend South Dakotans’ right to basic and necessary health care services.
The ACLU released the following statement:
“The Supreme Court issued a shameful ruling today overturning Roe v. Wade — the landmark decision recognizing the constitutional right to abortion nearly 50 years ago. The court’s decision means abortion is now a criminal act in South Dakota, thanks to a trigger law that’s been on the books since 2005.
Additionally, the ruling in this case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, will set off a chain reaction with states banning abortion and criminalizing essential care throughout entire regions of the country. Half the states in the country are expected to ban abortion, denying the 36 million women and other people who can become pregnant the fundamental right to decide for themselves whether and when to become a parent.
Because of the state’s trigger law, South Dakotans now have fewer rights than people in other states in this country. The ACLU of South Dakota is working with partners and providers to respond to this ruling and fight back.
“Anti-abortion politicians have put South Dakota on the wrong side of history for too long, and the ACLU is determined not to let them off the hook,” said Libby Skarin, ACLU of South Dakota campaigns director. “The ACLU of South Dakota is mobilizing supporters to make sure that these anti-abortion politicians feel the consequences of their brazen disregard for our rights. Politicians who do not believe in protecting the civil rights and liberties of their constituents have no business in governors’ mansions, in state attorneys general’s offices or in state legislatures. The path to taking back our rights is long, but the ACLU will be there every step of the way until we all have the power to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families.”
Banning abortion will have an immediate and devastating impact on women and all people who can become pregnant, taking from them a right that has been central to their ability to plan their lives, families, and careers. But the burdens will disproportionately fall on Black and Brown people, people struggling to make ends meet, those who are already parenting, folks in rural areas, Indigenous people, undocumented immigrants, LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit folks, and young people. This opinion will also lead to pregnancy losses being subject to suspicion, investigation, and arrest, and patients and doctors facing charges and jail.
As some South Dakotans have already experienced due to severe obstacles to abortion care, banning abortion leaves many with no other option than to carry a pregnancy to term and give birth. Forcing someone to carry a pregnancy against their will has life-altering consequences, including enduring serious health risks from continued pregnancy and childbirth, making it harder to escape poverty, derailing their education and career plans, and making it more difficult to leave an abusive partner.
“The Supreme Court’s decision is deeply painful to all of us who believe that the right to control our own bodies and to make such deeply personal decisions is ours, not the government’s,” Skarin said. “Make no mistake: Politicians won’t stop here. The same anti-abortion extremists seeking to control the bodies of pregnant people are coming for our right to access birth control and gender-affirming care, marry who we love, and vote. While the courts are letting anti-abortion politicians attack our fundamental rights, they don’t get the final say — we do.”
Planned Parenthood released the following statement.
ST. PAUL, M.N.—The U.S. Supreme Court today struck down Roe v. Wade, dealing a devastating blow to reproductive freedom. The decision places the future of safe and legal abortion in the hands of state lawmakers and puts abortion access at risk in 26 states.
Abortion remains safe and legal in Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska, and today’s decision will have no impact on patient care in those states. Our doors remain open. Trigger laws will ban abortion in South Dakota and North Dakota. PPNCS paused scheduling abortion appointments in South Dakota, and abortion appointments will not resume. The Sioux Falls health center remains open for birth control, IUD, gender affirming hormone therapy, and other sexual and reproductive health care needs. PPNCS does not operate a health center in North Dakota.
“The U.S. Supreme Court decision is wrong and will harm millions of people,” said Sarah Stoesz, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. “This decision is an unconscionable rollback of fundamental rights for all people in the United States. Because people’s right to access abortion is no longer guaranteed by federal law, it now depends on where you live and how much money you have to travel out of state for abortion care. Forced pregnancy is a grave violation of human rights and dignity.
“We have been preparing for months to be able to best serve patients across our region. Our doors are open and Planned Parenthood is committed to providing abortion care where it remains legal.
We have a lot of work ahead of us. We are now living through an unmatched moment where our rights to bodily autonomy are being decimated and, therefore, our democracy is being threatened. Now is the time for every person who supports abortion rights to stand up and act.”
Anyone who needs an appointment or has questions, should visit ppncs.org/abortion.