Pittsburgh Review

In response to the U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold Dobbs Vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization-a decision that takes away a woman’s constitutional right for an abortion-members of Pennsylvania commissions released a joint statement of disapproval.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s office released a statement on June 24, when the decision was made, calling it “draconian." It included comments from members who were from the Pennsylvania Commissions for Women, African American, Latino, LGBTQ+ and the Asian Pacific American Affairs. The commission members stood with Wolf in assuring that women will continue to have a right to choose in Pennsylvania. Wolf has vetoed three separate anti-abortion laws approved in the state’s General Assembly since he has taken office.

Commission for Women Executive Director Moriah Hathaway assured that women in Pennsylvania will be safe while Wolf is at the helm, but also voiced her disapproval of the federal ruling.

“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.”

Dr. Tyler Titus, a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ+ Affairs, spoke about personal experiences and why the right to choose is so important.

“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 is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and 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 this decision at the federal level brings the country “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.”

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs Executive Director LaDeshia Maxwell said that the decision was “disheartening,” but added that, thanks to Wolf’s work, women in Pennsylvania remain able to choose.

“Our commission is committed to ensuring that abortion access remains safe and a right to all who would like it in the commonwealth,” said Maxwell.