State Politicians Weigh In on Dobbs v. Jackson Ruling

Last Friday, the United States Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113, which previously protected a woman’s choice to abort an unborn embryo or fetus.

The decision resulted from a 5-4 ruling in the conclusion of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, No. 19-1392. The decision will allow states to make individual decisions on the lawfulness of abortion. Several states have already set in place laws that were triggered by the decision, while as of now, Montana has legal abortion services available until the Montana Supreme Court votes on the topic.

The following are responses from a few of Montana’s elected politicians.

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, founder, and chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus issued the following statement after the Supreme Court announced its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization which overturns its prior rulings on abortion and returns the power to the American people through their elected representatives to protect unborn children.

“The United States Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs today ends a historic injustice and rightfully ends one of the world’s most horrific abortion policies,” Daines said. “The long-overdue demise of judicially-imposed abortion on demand gives bright new hope to unborn children and their moms across America. Now the American people begin a new chapter in which they, through their elected representatives at the state and federal levels, have the power to end the violence of abortion. I will not rest until the day that every child is protected under our laws and can enjoy our nation’s most sacred right—the right to life.”

U.S. Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after the Supreme Court announced its decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health:

“For nearly 50 years, women have been able to make their own healthcare decisions without interference from the government. The Supreme Court’s ruling now means women and doctors will be put in jail when exercising this long-held right in states across the country. No judge or politician should be telling women how to live their lives or undermining their fundamental right to privacy.”

The United States Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, in favor of a Mississippi law banning all abortions after 15 weeks gestation, and more importantly overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that abortion is protected under the Constitution.

“(Friday's) ruling is a historic victory in protecting and defending the sanctity of life,” Representative Rosendale said. “I have always been a staunch advocate for the lives of the unborn, and today the United States Supreme Court has finally redressed a grievous wrong. Now state legislatures, elected by their constituents, will be able to pass meaningful laws that protect life. Our fight, however, does not end today. Certain states in the union will continue adopting radical abortion measures. Because of that, we must stand united to be a voice and advocate for all lives and do so until every unborn life in the United States is protected.”

In response to Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, Attorney General Austin Knudsen issued the following statement:

“The Supreme Court returned the issue of abortion to where it belongs: the People. Now it’s time for the state Supreme Court to do the same. These decisions, at their core, belong to the People – not judges. Today is a day of celebration of the millions in our country who have faithfully, peacefully, and tirelessly fought to end this national tragedy.”