The following is a statement from 53 Democratic State Parties regrading the leaked SCOTUS intent to overturn Roe v. Wade:
“Last night, a draft opinion circulated indicating the Supreme Court's intent to overturn Roe v. Wade. Given the additional powers this anticipated decision will yield to state and territorial legislatures, the listed State Parties, representing almost all of the states and territories of the nation, signed on to jointly offer the following statement:
“The shockwaves of Donald Trump's presidency are neither gone nor forgotten. We are heartbroken – but not surprised – to see the draft opinion of the United States Supreme Court indicating it intends to overturn a half-century of constitutional jurisprudence in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
“Many of us live in states where abortion access has been overturned or torn apart by extremist Republicans who have no business interfering in personal health decisions. Abortion bans are not favored by a majority of Americans, and they never will be. They are, however, supported by an extremist group of right wing primary voters and donors – and that’s why the GOP continues to fight to restrict abortion access nationally and in our legislatures.
“In the wake of this decision, the Supreme Court's anticipated opinion will signal a return of power to the elected representatives of each state and territory. Therefore, it is important now, more than ever, that we protect and exercise those rights that remain intact — our First Amendment rights to associate and to vote representatives into office who will stand firm and protect their constituents from the threats and whims of conservatives.
“Across America, our State Democratic Parties will work tirelessly to recruit, train, and support Democratic candidates for state and federal office who will fight for the right to abortion. We encourage our federal legislators to codify Roe immediately. We cannot and will not wait.”
South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Trav Robertson, Jr. said “Women who live in states with Republican governors and legislatures should not have fewer rights than women who live in states with Democratic governors and legislatures. Women are equal and must have the right to make their own reproductive decisions. South Carolina Democrats won't stop fighting for your rights.”
Signed By:
