The following is a collection of reactions from local groups and leaders after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday, June 24 on the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization case and also overturned the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion throughout the country:
“The Catholic bishops of Ohio are encouraged by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This is a positive step toward a desperately needed conversion to a culture of life in our country, one that respects the inherent dignity and sacredness of every human being from conception to natural death. This decision enables the possibility of the state of Ohio to fully protect the lives of preborn children.
“The Catholic Church in Ohio – including its dioceses, eparchies, parishes, and social service ministries – remains committed to serving women in crisis pregnancies, both before and after delivery, with both material resources and personal accompaniment so that they can flourish and contribute to the common good.” – The Roman Catholic and Eastern Rite Catholic bishops of Ohio in a joint statement from the Catholic Conference of Ohio
“My fellow Ohioans, I fully understand that the Supreme Court’s decision … is deeply troubling to many of you. Those of you who are pro-choice believe this is a matter of freedom and is a decision only the woman can make. Those who are pro-life, including my wife, Fran, and me believe that the life of a human being is at stake and that we have an obligation to protect that innocent life.
“We all have friends and others close to us whom we respect and who are on both sides of the issue. But whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, Republican or Democrat -- we all need to be kind, civil, and respect one another as we debate this issue. … Like any family, while we may disagree vehemently on some things, we can still find common ground in other things. And so, let us now find that common ground, roll up our sleeves, dig deep and join together in solving the problems that we all agree must be solved.” – Gov. Mike DeWine
“Pregnancy Decision Health Centers (PDHC) opened the doors to our first Pregnancy Resource Center on the eighth anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, on January 22, 1981. Since then, PDHC has stood as a beacon of hope for women who need compassionate care and support when faced with an unexpected or challenging pregnancy. For over 41 years, our founders, staff, volunteers, and a community of supporters, have been praying and working toward this moment in history and we give all the glory to God.
“It’s important to know that the mission of pregnancy resource centers does not change. Our work continues and becomes more important than ever, as women will still face challenges and barriers regarding their pregnancies. We believe every woman deserves love and support during an unexpected pregnancy, and no women should feel alone, coerced, or so hopeless that she feels abortion is her only option. Chemical abortions, via the abortion pill, still exist and have been rapidly increasing. Individuals can order them online and have them delivered right to their doorsteps with instructions on how to self-manage their abortion in their home, alone. PDHC joined Heartbeat International’s Abortion Pill Rescue Network (APRN) in late 2019 and can provide Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) services to women who have started a chemical abortion, regretted their decision, and wanted a second chance to save the life of their baby. Time is of the essence, and PDHC stands ready to help during this critical time. ... Our work continues.” – Kathy Scanlon, president, Pregnancy Decision Health Centers
“This is the time God has planned for the overturn of Roe vs. Wade. We are called to build a civilization of love. Our prayers were answered on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. We still need to continue praying. This is just so beautiful -- and what timing. But it's all in God's time.” – Diana Davis, Bethesda Healing Ministry, Columbus
“When I originally began my work here at Ohio Right to Life 14 years ago, the idea of Roe being overturned in my lifetime seemed completely out of reach. … (The) Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court finally reverses the most destructive court decision in our nation’s history that is responsible for over 62 million deaths.
“Ohio now can save countless innocent lives. Ohio Right to Life encourages our pro-life legislative majorities and Gov. DeWine to be ambitious and end abortion once and for all in our great state. We are dedicated and prepared to pass our Human Life Protection Act and send it to Gov. DeWine’s desk as soon as possible
“While we should pause to reflect and give thanks for this life affirming decision, we must also recognize that our work is far from over. We will continue to labor every day until all life, from conception until natural death, is protected under Ohio law. All Ohioans must work together to help women in need to ensure they have access to the best health care and support services so that they can have a healthy pregnancy and raise their child to fulfill their God-given purpose.” – Michael Gonidakis, president, Ohio Right to Life
“Heartbeat International works hard to equip and prepare pregnancy help organizations with the tools they need for any situation. With Roe v. Wade being overturned, it is important that they are ready for whatever situation may come their way. To help, we’re addressing the topic with podcasts, webinars, articles, and other resources designed for those working in pregnancy help to prepare. Please continue to pray for these organizations who may be facing challenges in the coming days.” – Heartbeat International, a Columbus-based network of pregnancy care centers
“Cleveland Right to Life joins the entire pro-life community across the country in celebrating this decision. Roe and Casey have been a blight on the American judicial landscape for nearly five decades. There is no constitutional right to abortion, and I am heartened that the Supreme Court has finally acknowledged that. Tragically, the decision has come too late for the more than 63 million innocent souls who have been slaughtered in the womb in the name of choice since 1973.
“While we applaud this decision, our work is far from over. Cleveland Right to Life will continue its fight to protect our most vulnerable citizens from pre-birth to natural death. To that end, we urge Ohio lawmakers to enact the most stringent laws possible to protect human life in the womb and provide hope and assistance for their mothers.” – Kate Makra, executive director, Cleveland Right to Life
“(The) decision by the U. S Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood is one of the most consequential moments in our history. For almost 50 years, the Roe decision has allowed for the killing of millions of Americans. Today that ruling is history and now women and their children can live out their best futures.” – Margie Christie, president, Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio and executive director, Dayton Right to Life
