Columbus officials react after Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade on Friday morning, putting abortion access in jeopardy across many American states for the first time in nearly 50 years and prompting swift response from officials in Greater Columbus.

In a 6-3 decision overturning the landmark 1973 ruling, the court ruled that abortion is no longer a federal right protected by the constitution and will instead be decided by the states.

And Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, filed a motion soon after Friday's decision to allow  a six-week abortion ban, called the "heartbeat bill" to take effect.

Here's what Columbus elected officials and other leaders had to say:

Supreme Court decision: Ohio officials react as Roe v. Wade overturned

More on Roe v. Wade: The U.S. Supreme Court just overturned Roe v. Wade. What does it mean for Ohio?

Supreme Court decision: Abortion will be regulated by states. Here's what Ohio lawmakers have done

Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther

“Today is a devastating day for women and girls in our country. This decision from a Supreme Court stacked with ultra-conservative justices paves the way for ultra-conservative, anti-women state legislatures across the country, including our own, to outlaw abortion. Abortions are health care. This decision doesn’t eliminate the need for abortions, but rather restricts access to safe abortions, particularly among those who cannot afford them. We will do everything in our power to protect women’s rights — from partnering with organizations that provide women’s health care to helping elect leaders who represent the will of the people, the vast majority of whom believes in a woman’s right to choose.”

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein

“The decision by this court to overturn the constitutionally protected right to abortion care is devastating to women, families and all those who value the rights and freedom of people to make deeply personal health care decisions without undue government interference.

“I know that many are feeling fear and uncertainty after this decision, and wondering what it will mean for healthcare access here in Ohio in the coming weeks and months. As the chief prosecutor for the city, my office is currently evaluating everything we legally can do to protect healthcare access should the state legislature move to further erode access to safe, legal abortions in Ohio.”

Columbus City Council

"Members of Columbus City Council are angry at the Supreme Court’s decision to deny necessary healthcare to Americans and reverse nearly 50 years of settled precedent.  While abortion is still legal in Ohio today, that right is under immediate threat, given the six-week abortion ban on the books and the gerrymandered General Assembly's likelihood to pass an outright ban when they return to session. Council opposes the enactment of any legislation which could put Ohioans and doctors in jail for their healthcare decisions.

"Council has stood up for abortion rights and will continue to do so. Council passed legislation to protect people and clinic workers from harassment outside of clinics, adopted a resolution opposing the 6-week ban, and updated the city's non-discrimination code to include protections for reproductive health choice, including seeking abortion care.

"Abortion is health care. Our state legislature must act to protect Ohioans’ right to choice."

Columbus Public Health

"Abortion is healthcare. When we deny women access to safe abortions, we take away the basic healthcare services they need to live healthy and productive lives. All women should be empowered to make their own healthcare decisions on abortions and all areas of their health that impact their physical, emotional and financial well-being. This decision is a political one and it will negatively impact the health of all women, especially poor women and women of color. We will continue to advocate for and provide access to the quality health and wellness care that's right for all women so that we can help them live the health, safe and equitable lives they have worked for and more importantly deserve."

Catholic Diocese of Columbus

"We in the Diocese of Columbus are thankful for the ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Healthcare Organization.

"The Catholic Church affirms that each human life is a gift from god, the author and lord of life.

"...The Diocese will continue to work to nurture Ohio families and will continue to accept the responsibility of supporting mothers and their children, and to fight for the right to life for every human born, and unborn.

"...We are a people of life. We celebrate, nurture and protect life. This is our moment to be heralds of the Gospel of life."

Columbus Urban League President & CEO Stephanie Hightower

"The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade offers another sad example of how America's commitment to eliminating racial and gender disparities is too often a hollow promise.

"No question that the decision is a tremendous setback for all women and one that

carries unmeasurable repercussions. But the decision's unequal impact on Black and

poor women, women who are more likely to lack the resources to find or afford

alternatives, echoes, at best, indifference.

"The schisms that divide us desperately need healing, whether between rich and poor,

black and white, liberal and conservative. We will never find common ground if we

continue ignoring or diminishing the challenges and realities of other people's lives.

"Your Columbus Urban League will continue advocating for true racial equity and social

justice. Today reminds us: the fight is real."

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.

“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.”

Maggie Scotece, interim executive director of Women Have Options

“I am enraged with the actions of not only SCOTUS, but our government at-large. All abortion bans are part of the intertwined systems of oppression that deny Black, indigenous, and other people of color access to their rights and are rooted in anti-Black racism, white supremacy, and other forms of discrimination. Right now, we’re calling on Ohioans to spread the message that abortions is still legal in Ohio. WHO/O, alongside local and national organizers and activists will continue fighting towards liberation. Grassroots fundraising, community support, and public action will be crucial, not just for abortion funds like WHO/O but also for clinics and the patients they serve. To Ohioans feeling every color of outrage and grief and fear — know that you are not alone, and our communities aren’t going anywhere, now or ever.”

Rhiannon Carnes, co-founder and co-executive director of the Ohio Women’s Alliance Action Fund

“We are devastated, but we are not broken because we know Roe v. Wade has improved the lives of many. Many have fought hard and dedicated their lives over the last 50 years to ensure bodily protection for people who have the right to legal abortion. From holding power to decide when we want to start a family, to financial and economic security, to equal representation for women in career advancement, Roe v. Wade was a layer of security that we won't give up to an extremist conservative bench on Capitol Hill.”

Eric Lagatta is a reporter at the Columbus Dispatch covering social justice issues and non-profits. Reach him at elagatta@dispatch.com. Follow him on Twitter @EricLagatta

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Roe v. Wade: Columbus officials react as abortion at risk in Ohio