Lehigh Times

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court voted to uphold Dobbs Vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which effectively overturned Roe Vs. Wade and makes it so women do not have a constitutional right for an abortion. In response, members of various Pennsylvania commissions sounded off in disapproval of the decision.

The joint statement released on June 24, the day of the decision, included Pennsylvania Commissions for Women, African American, Latino, LGBTQ+ and Asian Pacific American Affairs. It was intended to reaffirm that the commissions would continue to fight for safe, legal and accessible abortions. Comments were included in a release by Gov. Tom Wolf’s office, who called the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court “draconian.”

“As a new mother, I am saddened and terrified of the ramifications today’s Supreme Court ruling will have on parents and birthing people across the nation,” said Moriah Hathaway, Commission for Women executive director. “Abortion bans harm mothers, their babies, and their families. They do not reduce maternal mortality or improve health care outcomes. Abortion bans also negatively impact communities of color, LGBTQ individuals, young people, and low-income households at higher rates. Thankfully, abortion will remain safe and legal in our state as long as Governor Wolf has the veto pen.”

María Teresa Donate, the chair of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, spoke on behalf of her commission and said that the fight for women’s rights has been “a long and hurtful journey.”

“This decision takes us back to the initial struggles,” said Donate. “As we did before, we will continue the fight. Nothing will stop us!”

Stephanie Sun, the executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission for Asian Pacific American Affairs, said it was sad that the Supreme Court is out of touch with what most of America wants, moving the country “backward in time, to an era where the lives of so many women were lost.”

“Even with this setback, we as a country and as a people must continue to move forward and strive to make this a better place for all people,” Sun said. “It is the hope of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs that the voice of the people will be heard through the upcoming elections and the fundamental human rights of women will be restored and expanded throughout this great nation.”

Executive Director LaDeshia Maxwell of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, called the Supreme Court decision “beyond disheartening,” but added that, thanks to Wolf, women in Pennsylvania will be “unaffected by this ruling-for now.”

“Our commission is committed to ensuring that abortion access remains safe and a right to all who would like it in the commonwealth,” Maxwell said.

The Governor’s Advisory on LGBTQ+ Affairs member Dr. Tyler Titus also weighed in with a personal account of why this is so disappointing to so many people. Titus said it is a time for solidarity more than ever.

“The impending loss of body autonomy – and privacy as a whole — with the overturning of Roe v. Wade has launched protests and marches across our nation,” said Dr. Titus. “With the majority of Americans supporting a person’s right to choose, it is imperative that we lock arms with all who will be impacted by this ruling. As a queer, non-binary person who was assigned female at birth, I am all too familiar with the injustices and inequities within our current healthcare systems. As a person whose body has created life and brought two children into this world, I call on our leaders to stand with all transgender and gender-expansive people."

Titus added, “As we fight for our rights and agency over our bodies, we cannot ignore that not all birthing bodies are cisgender.”

Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and also spoke out, denouncing the decision and saying it is political.

“As it is, there aren’t enough resources to support women in making educated decisions relating to their bodies and when women do make decisions, they’re shamed,” said Bonilla-Rodriguez. “This decision is a selfish ploy to regain political control; it’s unacceptable to politicize women’s reproductive rights and healthcare options. GACLA opposes this decision and will continue to speak up for a woman’s right to choose.”

The release by Wolf’s office said that the commissions will work closely with community stakeholders and the governor to protect health care access in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They applauded him for his work for women’s health care rights, having vetoed three anti-abortion bills passed by the General Assembly. He has also vowed to protect a woman’s right to choose.