Gov. Wolf reacts to dismantling of Roe v. Wade: “Elections Matter”
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization and the dismantling of the landmark Roe v. Wade, which had protected access to abortion:
“First and most importantly, it is critical that everyone understands that abortion services are available and unharmed in Pennsylvania by today's Supreme Court action. Providers may still provide reproductive health care services and patients should continue the health care plan they've developed with their physicians.
“Nonetheless, I am deeply disappointed in today's Supreme Court opinion and the impact this decision will have nationwide. The right to bodily autonomy—and privacy as a whole—is under attack in this country. We must do more to protect the rights of women and pregnant people in every state across the country that doesn't have a governor willing to wield their veto pen.
“As we approach a critical election cycle here in Pennsylvania,
I cannot stress enough how important it is to exercise your personal right to vote. Elections matter.
“This decision did not happen overnight. Right-wing extremists have been strategically planning to dismantle decades long decisions to further their agendas and divide our country with policies designed to infringe upon our freedoms. They have done so one vote at a time, one election at a time across our beloved nation. We cannot allow this to continue.
“Americans are feeling defeated and angry today, and I don't blame them. However, as long as I am governor, I vow to protect abortion access and reproductive health care in Pennsylvania.
“To women and pregnant people in surrounding states and across the country where this isn't the case, you are safe here in the commonwealth.”
Since taking office, Gov. Wolf has championed abortion access by vetoing three different anti-abortion bills passed by Pennsylvania's General Assembly and vowed to veto the rest.