Keystone Today

Last week, various Pennsylvania commissions released a joint statement that spoke out against the U.S. Supreme Court decision on Dobbs Vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which effectively takes away a woman’s constitutional right for an abortion on the federal level.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s office released a statement with comments from officials, calling the ruling “draconian.” The joint statement was from Pennsylvania Commissions for Women, African American, Latino, LGBTQ+ and the Asian Pacific American Affairs. It was to reaffirm the commissions’ commitments to fight for “safe, legal and accessible abortion in Pennsylvania." They said they stand with Wolf, who has helped with health care access by vetoing three anti-abortion bills that were passed. Women in the state of Pennsylvania will not be affected by the federal ruling, and Wolf and the commissions expressed that they would continue to work to protect a woman’s right to choose.

Commission for Women Executive Director Moriah Hathaway said abortion will be safe and legal in Pennsylvania “as long as Governor Wolf has the veto pen.”

“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 Hathaway. “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.”

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs Executive Director LaDeshia Maxwell echoed Hathaway, saying that she is upset with the ruling, but thankful Pennsylvania women are currently not affected with laws.

“Today’s Supreme Court opinion is beyond disheartening, though women in Pennsylvania will be unaffected by this ruling – for now – thanks to Governor Wolf,” said Maxwell. “Our commission is committed to ensuring that abortion access remains safe and a right to all who would like it in the commonwealth.”

Dr. Tyler Titus is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs and spoke about their personal experiences on the matter and why the right to choose is vital, while calling for solidarity.

“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. Tyler Titus, member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGTBQ+ Affairs, “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.”

Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez represented the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs in the joint statement. She said there are not enough resources for women to make educated decisions about their bodies as it is.

“This decision is a selfish ploy to regain political control; it’s unacceptable to politicize women’s reproductive rights and healthcare options,” said Dr. Bonilla-Rodriguez. “GACLA opposes this decision and will continue to speak up for a woman’s right to choose.”

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs Executive Director Stephanie Sun said that it is sad that the Supreme Court is so out of touch with the majority of America. She said this is bringing the U.S. “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.”