What does Roe v. Wade overturn mean for Ohio and Pennsylvania?
After nearly 50 years, the US Supreme overturning Roe v. Wade will have an impact on more than half of the states expected to ban abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a leading research and policy organization on reproductive health and rights.
The 6-3 decision ends the constitutional right to an abortion in the U.S. since the landmark decision of 1973.
The court's ruling is expected to return the right to an abortion to the states.
What is expected to happen in Ohio and Pennsylvania?
Abortions are legal in Ohio up to 20 weeks of pregnancy, however, on Friday, Ohio Attorney General David Yost filed a motion asking a federal judge to allow a 2019 "heartbeat bill" to take effect once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is around 6 weeks into a pregnancy. It is uncertain how long it will take a judge to rule on this, but with the Supreme Court ruling, it is not expected to be long.
Ohio's state lawmakers are on break until September, and the state can look to further restrict or ban abortion rights as early as this fall.
In Pennsylvania, abortions are still legal up to 24 weeks after a women's last menstrual cycle, or beyond only if the woman's life or health is at risk.
Gov. Tom Wolf has vetoed anti-abortion bills in the past, however, come November, the state will be voting for a new governor, with Wolf term-limited out. The Republican candidate Doug Mastriano introduced a "heartbeat bill" in 2019 and is calling on the General Assembly to vote on the bill.
21 News reached out to Planned Parenthood of Ohio and Pennsylvania for reaction to the Supreme Court ruling in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, these responses were shared with us through email.
Statement from Iris Harvey, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio:
“By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has now officially given politicians permission to control what we do with our bodies, deciding that we can no longer be trusted to determine the course for our own lives. This dangerous and chilling decision can have devastating consequences in Ohio, forcing people to travel hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles for care or remain pregnant," Harvey said.
“Make no mistake – this decision goes beyond abortion. This is about who has power over you, who has the authority to make decisions for you, and who can control how your future is going to be. Nevertheless, you can still seek an abortion in Ohio today. Our patients have and will remain our highest priority.”
The closest facility to the Valley for someone to get an abortion in Ohio is Cuyahoga Falls.
Statement from President and CEO Sydney Etheredge, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania:
“I am saddened by the Supreme Court’s decision today. While we knew this could be our reality following the leaked opinion, knowing now that we will be living in a post-Roe world is heartbreaking. For now, abortion is still legal in Pennsylvania, and we will do everything in our power to keep it that way. Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania wants to let those who are seeking an abortion know that we are here for you. Your decision to control your lives, bodies, and futures should be yours, and yours alone, and we will not compromise on this," Etheredge said.
The closest abortion facility in Pennsylvania is Allegheny County.
Our call to Planned Parenthood said the facility is reporting a higher than average call volume on Friday.
