Elected leaders are responding after the Supreme Court ruled to overturn Roe V. Wade, making the states decide on abortion rights.
Senator Joe Manchin says:
“I am deeply disappointed that the Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade. It has been the law of the land for nearly 50 years and was understood to be settled precedent. I trusted Justice Gorsuch and Justice Kavanaugh when they testified under oath that they also believed Roe v. Wade was settled legal precedent and I am alarmed they chose to reject the stability the ruling has provided for two generations of Americans.
“As a Catholic, I was raised pro-life and will always consider myself pro-life. But I have come to accept that my definition of pro-life may not be someone else’s definition of pro-life. I believe that exceptions should be made in instances of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is in jeopardy. But let me be clear, I support legislation that would codify the rights Roe v. Wade previously protected. I am hopeful Democrats and Republicans will come together to put forward a piece of legislation that would do just that.”
Senator Shelley Moore Capito says:
“By overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the Supreme Court has returned this issue to the states to make their own determination. I support this decision, and I would expect West Virginia to support this decision as well. This ruling does not create a federal ban on abortion, as has been suggested by some of my colleagues. Many feel strongly on this issue, but I condemn violent rhetoric and threats towards the Supreme Court Justices. I will continue to oppose extreme legislation at the federal level, and will follow debates in state legislatures, including in West Virginia, on this issue.”
Representative Carol Miller says:
“As a mother and grandmother, I know the joys a child brings to a family. All life, no matter the age, should be cherished. I am pleased to see the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. An unborn child is a human life that must be protected. Today is a huge victory for all Americans.”
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey says:
“This historic decision is long past due, although it took nearly 50 years to overturn several flawed Supreme Court decisions that have led to the tragic deaths of more than 60 million unborn children,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “I am proud to stand with those who agree that the law must afford the unborn the same rights as everyone, most especially the inviolable right to life. Our Constitution should never have been interpreted in a way that lets it override the states’ compelling interest to protect innocent life.”
“In the next few days, I will be providing a legal opinion to the Legislature about how it should proceed to save as many babies’ lives as humanly and legally possible,” Attorney General Morrisey added.
The law at the center of the Dobbs case was a Mississippi statute prohibiting abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
In July 2021, Attorney General Morrisey joined a 24-state brief supporting life in the Dobbs case. The brief urged the Supreme Court to support the right of individual states to regulate abortion and promote the sanctity of life within their borders.”
Gov. Jim Justice says:
“I applaud the Supreme Court’s courageous decision today. I’ve said many times that I very proudly stand for life and I am rock-solid against abortion, and I believe that every human life is a miracle worth protecting.”
I will not hesitate to call a special session after consulting with the Legislature and my legal team if clarification in our laws needs to be made.”
Rep. Alex Mooney says:
“I am proudly pro-life, and I am pleased to see the Supreme Court return the issue of abortion to our elected representatives in the states. It is our moral duty to protect innocent human lives.
As a result of today’s decision, millions of lives will be saved!”