From The Tribune staff reports
WASHINGTON — In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the landmark decision in Roe v Wade that granted abortion consitutional right status. The ruling has been the subject of intense debate for almost 50 years.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote the opinion for the court.
The Roberts Court, April 23, 2021
Seated from left to right: Justices Samuel A. Alito, Jr. and Clarence Thomas, Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and Justices Stephen G. Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor
Standing from left to right: Justices Brett M. Kavanaugh, Elena Kagan, Neil M. Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett.
Photograph by Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States
“We end this opinion where we began. Abortion presents a profound moral question. The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion. Roe and Casey arrogated that authority. We now overrule those decisions and return that authority to the people and their elected representatives,” Alito wrote.
The ruling also overturns Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Mississippi case than bans abortions after a woman is 15 weeks pregnant.
The decision returns the right to restrict or ban abortion to the individual states. Alabama’s new abortion law, Alabama Human Life Protection Act, is currently the subject of litigation and has been put on hold by a judge.
“Currently, there is a halt by a federal judge on the enforcement of that law, but now that Roe is overturned, the state will immediately ask the court to strike down any legal barriers to enforcing this law,” Gov. Kay Ivey said.
Alabama Democrat Party Chairman Chris England issued a statement following the decision.
“Because of laws passed by our Republican legislature, abortion services will likely be illegal in Alabama — a felony that could force doctors to face up to 99 years in prison for providing medical care for their patients, even in the case of rape,” England said. “Republican legislators and appointed judges think they should be sitting between you and your doctor while making medical decisions.”
“Our prayers have been answered,” Republican nominee to the U.S. Senate Katie Britt said. “This is a great day in our nation’s history and an incredible victory for the God-given right to life, which I’m confident that the State of Alabama will protect.
“As a Christian, conservative, pro-life mother of two children, both the science and my faith tells me that life begins at conception. As an attorney, I also know that Roe not only was morally wrong, but constitutionally unsound. The Supreme Court has done the correct thing, even in the face of recent intimidation and threats. Now, it’s on elected representatives of the people across America to be a voice for the voiceless and defend those who cannot defend themselves.”
Democrat nominee for the U.S. Senate, Dr. Will Boyd, also weighed in on the reversal.
“Today’s Roe v. Wade ruling is a setback for our nation,” Boyd said. “I believe in the sanctity of life, but I also believe women must have the final say in their healthcare decisions. No elected or appointed official should be empowered to police a woman’s most private & sensitive decisions.”
