How might the SCOTUS decision affect us?
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) made headlines with a leak of what appears to be a draft of the majority decision on the highly anticipated Dobbs v. Jackson case. It indicates that SCOTUS will overturn Roe v Wade, one of the most controversial and divisive decisions in the Court’s history.
Roe v Wade, decided in 1973, essentially legalized abortion on demand in all 50 States superseding a state’s right to determine whether or not to protect life before birth or before viability. Since Roe, over 62 million abortions have occurred in the US. In 2020 alone, 32,123 abortions were performed in our state - Pennsylvania.
The Court heard the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization in the Fall of 2021 with an expected ruling next month. If the leak is true, the Court plans to rule that pre-viability prohibitions on elective abortions are constitutional, thereby returning the right to protect life to each State.
This is cause for celebration! Each state will have the opportunity to decide for itself what stance it will take on abortion.
What Happens to Pennsylvania?
For a season, nothing will happen in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania has an Abortion Control Act that will not be affected by this decision. Pennsylvania is also dealing with a court case in our own state. The outcome of this case could allow for Medicaid funding for abortion and could loosen our abortion regulations. This is very concerning for not only our state but for states that border us. If SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade, Pennsylvania could be a destination for abortion tourism as bordering states (such as Ohio and West Virginia) enact tougher abortion laws.
What Happens to our Pregnancy Center?
As tensions escalate there is potential for our local pregnancy center to be protested or even vandalized. Please pray for our team as we continue to serve women in need. Also, many of the young women we serve may be panicked and angry. Remember, they have been taught their whole lives that they need an abortion. Pray that we will be able to minister to them, comfort them, and offer them options other than abortion.
What can I do?
PRAY! Pray for us, our state, and our nation. Engage your church on this issue and encourage them to pray and take a stand for life. Remember, at its core abortion is not a political issue - it is a Biblical issue. Don't forget that we are surrounded by those who have had an abortion in their past. Always speak of those who chose abortion, or are considering abortion, with love and gentleness. Finally, get involved. Earnestly seek God's face and ask what He would have you do. Many women will be in need, and the battle in Pennsylvania is only just beginning. Every one of us must take a stand for life.
Call for more information
Cindy Mansberger, Executive Director
814-643-3570
director@cpcforlife.org
Center, L. D. P. (n.d.). Title 18. The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved May 4, 2022, from SOURCE
Gerstein, Josh, & Ward, Alexander. (2022, May 2). Exclusive: Supreme Court has voted to overturn abortion rights, draft opinion shows. POLITICO. Retrieved May 4, 2022, from SOURCE
Help protect unborn life from activist court. PA Family. (2022, April 29). Retrieved May 4, 2022, from SOURCE
Morris, K. (2022, May 4). Over 63 million abortions have occurred in the US since Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. Fox News. Retrieved May 4, 2022, from SOURCE
PA Department of Health. 2020 Abortion Statistics. Pennsylvania Annual Abortion Report. 2021. SOURCE, PA Department of Health.