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SCOTUS overturns 'Roe v. Wade', Orlando area politicians react to end of constitutional right to abortion

By Alex Galbraith on Fri, Jun 24, 2022 at 11:47 am

The Supreme Court released its expected ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization on Friday, overturning the precedent set by the landmark case Roe v. Wade and effectively terminating the constitutional right to abortion access in the United States.

Justice Samuel Alito stated the effect of the court's decision plainly while wrapping up his majority opinion.

"We end this opinion where we began. Abortion presents a profound moral question. The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion. Roe and [Planned Parenthood v. ] Casey arrogated that authority. We now overrule those decisions and return that authority to the people and their elected representatives," he wrote.

The ruling passed 6-3 with all of the conservative justices signing on to the decision. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote a concurrence in which he agreed with the ruling but did not agree with the overturn of Roe and Casey. Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer dissented.

The decision kicks the question of abortion access back to the states. Florida recently passed a ban on all abortions past 15 weeks of pregnancy, a significant hurdle to access that mimics the Mississippi law that prompted the SCOTUS ruling.

Local politicians in Orlando immediately reacted — some with rage, others with elation — depending on their political leanings. See what they had to say below.

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I am sick to my stomach. But we will keep fighting — my full statement and call to action is coming soon. https://t.co/jpFPW4uDSX
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) June 24, 2022

This is not the time to shrink, or surrender. The antidote to despair is action. We are in a fight to make sure everyone has the power to control their own bodies, lives, and futures and despite this decision, we cannot give up now. 9/9
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) June 24, 2022

Today I sent a letter to @GovRonDeSantis & other legislative leaders calling for an emergency legislative session to pass stronger pro-life Legislation in Florida

We must pass the Heartbeat Bill & other strong pro-life measures to protect Florida’s unborn children#lifewins pic.twitter.com/4w4x7IkwUJ
— Rep. Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) June 24, 2022

Photo of the moment Pelosi read that Roe was overturned #lifewins pic.twitter.com/oh002rMLNd
— Rep. Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) June 24, 2022

My statement on the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dMy8MyzfxE
— U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (@RepStephMurphy) June 24, 2022

I understand as a gay man what it’s like to have the religious right attack MY sexual freedoms and impose their definitions of sexuality, gender and family upon us.

The fight for LGBTQ rights and abortion rights are common causes. If you attack one of us— YOU ATTACK ALL OF US! pic.twitter.com/2AiFTNOj4r
— Rep. Carlos G Smith (@CarlosGSmith) May 4, 2022

The Supreme Court has taken away our right to abortion and overturned Roe v. Wade, opening the floodgates for states across the country to ban abortion.

The court has failed us all — but this is far from over.

FIND A RAPID RESPONSE EVENT: https://t.co/SXHYGcmBYU
— Florida Planned Parenthood Action (@FAPPA) June 24, 2022

This #SCOTUS decision is a devastating blow to our collective freedom as women and Americans. And it follows a clear and consistent Republican effort to end the right to abortions. 1/9
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) June 24, 2022

This is an important ruling for the sovereignty of our individual states. Our office will continue working to defend state laws that protect life.https://t.co/xw8CNrTpt0
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) June 24, 2022

You have a fundamental, God-given right to your own life, your family, your religion, your circumstances, your values, your health, your body. https://t.co/XyoxE8K7u0
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) June 24, 2022

The Supreme Court has returned the power to regulate abortion to the states

Now we need a pro-life plan for post-Roe America

Here is my proposal to support mothers & their children not just before birth but also after
https://t.co/x2AFH116g9
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) June 24, 2022

Just went to the Supreme Court. This is not the end, it is just the beginning. Every man and woman who believes in our right to make our own decisions must join us and stand up for America’s daughters. #Roe pic.twitter.com/RicuhdeYP9
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) June 24, 2022

Their next move will be to attempt a national ban on abortion with no exception for rape, incest, or health of the mother. They want to punish women. They want to put doctors in jail. https://t.co/o5P1dLk7hJ
— Rep. Val Demings (@RepValDemings) June 24, 2022

This fight is not over. pic.twitter.com/rSAP6Nofcc
— Kamia Brown (@kamiabrownfl45) June 24, 2022

Today the US Supreme Court eliminated a fundamental right for the 1st time in history.

Sadly they have empowered state governments to control women’s reproductive decisions.

This sets women back 50 years & relegates them to 2nd class citizens in America. https://t.co/9YsjJmBpGK
— Rep. Darren Soto (@RepDarrenSoto) June 24, 2022

God Bless America and the U.S. Supreme Court. A day I have long prayed for and worked towards has come. This is a victory for life and federalism.
— Daniel Webster (@RepWebster) June 24, 2022

Under DeSantis, freedom for Florida’s women has been under attack. And with today’s decision, the fate of reproductive freedom in our state is now squarely in the hands of the Governor and State Legislature. This November’s election is the most consequential in modern history.
— Charlie Crist (@CharlieCrist) June 24, 2022