Here’s what metro-east leaders, activists are saying about leaked threat to Roe v. Wade

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday addressed the leak of a draft opinion from a majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices that would overturn the 1973 ruling in the case of Roe vs. Wade.

The leaked draft, first published by Politico, was not final. Justices could still change their votes and are expected to rule on the case within the next few months.

Regardless of what decision the justices hand down this summer, “abortion will always be safe and legal here in Illinois,” Pritzker said during a news conference in Chicago.

Here are other reactions about the decision from national, Illinois and metro-east politicians and activists on both sides of the debate:

State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis

“The deeply misguided decision—made mostly by men—to overturn Roe v. Wade and strip legal protections for reproductive rights will have devastating consequences for women and families across the country.

“It is immoral, partisan and erases decades of progress in the fight for equality in America,” Greenwood said. “Illinois will always fight to protect the reproductive rights of all people. I stand with my colleagues in the House and Senate, Governor Pritzker and the millions of people who want to keep their bodily autonomy despite being attacked by this court.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost

“I am proudly pro-life. I believe the Supreme Court draft opinion is a necessary step forward in protecting innocent unborn lives. It empowers the American people to determine for themselves at the state level how to regulate abortion services, free from federal mandates.

“As pleased as I am with the draft opinion, I am equally concerned by the fact that this confidential draft was leaked to the media in the first place. I don’t see how it can be interpreted as anything but an attempt to subvert the will of the Court and intimidate justices into changing their decision. That’s a dangerous precedent and one that must be fully investigated.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis

“As a Pro-Life lawmaker, I’ve long advocated for an end to the ‘Roe’ decision. It was wrong from the beginning, and I hope the Court’s pending decision empowers states to enact pro-Life laws and protect the unborn.

“I am deeply concerned by the fact this draft opinion was leaked. This is nothing more than an attempt to intimidate the justices on this case and sway their opinion. A leak of this magnitude must be condemned and, if warranted, investigated and prosecuted. Those on the Left who are cheering this lawless type of behavior are contributing to the undermining of our Nation’s institutions and civic processes. Please pray for the safety of the justices on our Supreme Court.

“Democrats will use this moment to continue their push for a radical, pro-abortion agenda that’s far outside the mainstream. They are advocating for late-term and taxpayer-funded abortion, limits on parental involvement, restrictions on conscience objections, and more - nationwide, in all fifty states. Their extreme pro-abortion agenda is appalling and wrong. I will continue to oppose them every step of the way.”

Illinois Right to Life

Amy Gehrke, executive director of Illinois Right to Life: “Roe v. Wade created an erroneous ‘right’ to abortion that has no standing in the United States Constitution. We believe that the leak of the draft ruling on Monday, May 2 was an egregious act that threatens the function of the High Court. The ensuing reaction from abortion advocates illustrates that most of them believe protecting contrived ‘abortion rights’ justifies any means, no matter how destructive.”

Democratic Party of Illinois Statement

Democratic Party of Illinois Chair state Rep. Robin Kelly: “If these reports are true, this outrageous Supreme Court decision would strike a devastating blow against women’s fundamental right to choose what’s best for their own bodies. I am appalled and furious at the hateful dismissiveness of established precedent mixed with the gleeful excitement from Republicans as they prepare to roll back the clock on the rights of women in our country and continue their systemic fight to take away individual freedoms.

“Illinois Democrats have made significant progress in expanding women’s reproductive rights in our state, but clearly this fight is long from over. We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the right to choose from Illinois Republicans dead-set on following the extremist playbook from their colleagues in states like Missouri, Kentucky, and Texas. With seats on Illinois’ Supreme Court on the ballot this November, along with statewide office holders, federal representatives, and our state legislature, the difference between Democrats and Republicans, and our work ahead, could not be clearer.

“To those who feel under attack right now, know that you are not alone. Illinois Democrats at every level will never stop fighting to protect your rights, your healthcare, and your voice. Never.”

Planned Parenthood of Illinois

Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois: “Planned Parenthood of Illinois is furious that the Supreme Court is prepared to ignore half a century of settled law and end the constitutional right to an abortion by overturning Roe v. Wade. But it’s also not a surprise. We have been preparing for this decision for years, and we will continue to ensure that every patient, no matter where they live, has access to the health care they need and deserve.

We are proud to say that abortion is still safe and legal in Illinois.

This is a devastating blow for the millions of people who will suddenly find themselves in an abortion desert; facing a daunting dilemma - travel hundreds of miles to access an abortion, seek an illegal alternative or carry a pregnancy to term against their will. We will continue to fight so that everyone can access the fundamental reproductive health care they need and deserve — no matter what.”

Nikki Budzinski, candidate for the 13th Congressional District

“I’m horrified and deeply saddened by the leaked US Supreme Court’s decision that shreds decades of progress for women in this country and our reproductive freedom.

“My heart goes out to all the women who fearlessly fought for their right to keep government outside of our doctor appointments. To all the women who lost their lives because they didn’t have the right to a safe, legal abortion. And to all the American women who are scared right now because our rights are no longer protected.

“Today’s news is a reminder that our freedom is never guaranteed. We have to fight for our reproductive freedom and the stakes have never been higher. That’s why we can’t sit on the sidelines and this election cycle.

“I pledge to stand for our reproductive rights and I will never back down.”

Jesse Reising, candidate for the 13th Congressional District

“As someone who has dedicated their career to upholding the law, I firmly believe that Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided and has always advocated for the Supreme Court to reexamine its reasoning and analysis. Unborn children are among the most vulnerable members of our society and deserve our protection.

But, this leaked opinion is the highest breach of trust in the important relationship between a Judge and their clerks and staff. Having clerked for two federal judges in my career, I know all too well how crucial confidentiality is to the administration of justice.

This appears to be a disgusting attempt by the left to bully the court and tarnish the institution. An immediate and thorough investigation must be conducted to restore the sanctity of the court’s decision making process.”

President Joe Biden

“We do not know whether this draft is genuine, or whether it reflects the final decision of the Court. With that critical caveat, I want to be clear on three points about the cases before the Supreme Court.

“First, my administration argued strongly before the Court in defense of Roe v. Wade. We said that Roe is based on “a long line of precedent recognizing ‘the Fourteenth Amendment’s concept of personal liberty’… against government interference with intensely personal decisions.” I believe that a woman’s right to choose is fundamental, Roe has been the law of the land for almost fifty years, and basic fairness and the stability of our law demand that it not be overturned.

“Second, shortly after the enactment of Texas law SB 8 and other laws restricting women’s reproductive rights, I directed my Gender Policy Council and White House Counsel’s Office to prepare options for an Administration response to the continued attack on abortion and reproductive rights, under a variety of possible outcomes in the cases pending before the Supreme Court. We will be ready when any ruling is issued.

“Third, if the Court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nation’s elected officials at all levels of government to protect a woman’s right to choose. And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law.”

This story was originally published May 3, 2022 at 10:48 AM.