The decision returns rights to states to determine regulations and says that the Constitution is neutral on the issue of abortion rights.
UPDATE: 3:00 PM EDT
Around the nation, reports of pro-choice protests and pro-life counter-protests are already taking place. Some organizers have called for additional protests outside of the homes of Supreme Court justices.
President Biden is calling for peace and civility during this time, “First, I call on everyone, no matter how deeply they care about this decision, to keep all protests peaceful. Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful. No intimidation. Violence is never acceptable. Threats and intimidation are not speech. We must stand against violence in any form regardless of your rationale.”
Early in June, he signed a bill passed by Congress granting increased security protections to the justices. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at the time, “As the president has consistently made clear, public officials, including judges, must be able to do their jobs without concern for their personal safety or that of their families. And any threats of violence or attempts to intimidate justices have no place in our society.”
UPDATE: 2:00 PM EDT
President Joe Biden spoke from the White House and called on Congress to legislatively codify abortion rights. He said, “It’s a sad day for the court and for the country.”
The president then vowed to work to reestablish abortion rights through both federal and state elections, “This fall, we must elect more senators and representatives who will codify a woman’s right to choose into federal law once again, elect more state leaders to protect this right at the local level.” He then added, “Until then, I will do all in my power to protect a woman’s right in states where they will face the consequences of today’s decision.”
UPDATE: 11:00 AM EDT
After over a month of speculation and uncertainty following a leaked draft of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court issued its official decision Friday. The High Court ruled to uphold the right of states to “allow, deny, or restrict abortion.“ The monumental case overturns both of the decades-old cases Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
“Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division,” Justice Alito wrote in the majority opinion. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.”
Protests and marches have already begun near the steps of the Supreme Court Building and police are attempting to contain the hundreds of protestors congregated outside. They are working to avoid violent demonstrations and clashes between groups of protestors in response to the controversial ruling.
Note from The Presidential Prayer Team:
This ruling serves as a reminder that God answers prayers, even during the darkest times. The United States has the opportunity to restore our country’s humanity, which will now rest on elected officials and voters in their individual states. Today, we pray not only with thanksgiving for this first step, but we pray for God’s provision for His people to continue affirming the sanctity of life in our country. Thank you for taking part in this with your prayers.
The Board of Directors and Executive Leadership of The Presidential Prayer Team issued a statement regarding the ruling.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For God to be at work through the justices of the Supreme Court as they rule on cases like this in the future.
- For the state legislatures as they develop policies and laws in response to the ruling today.
- For law enforcement officers and leaders as they seek to prevent violence between pro-abortion and pro-life demonstrators.
Sources: ABC News, CNN, Fox News, NBC News, Washington Times, The Supreme Court
