CT Leaders React To News Roe v. Wade Expected To Be Overturned

CONNECTICUT — The state's top elected officials issued a blistering rebuke to the news that the U.S. Supreme Court is poised to overturn its landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

State Rep. Matt Blumenthal and Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, co-chairs of the Connecticut General Assembly's Reproductive Rights Caucus, issued a statement after the news was announced late Monday.

"While long expected, the Supreme Court’s draft decision overruling Roe v. Wade is nevertheless devastating. We are heartbroken for all those who will soon lose access to safe, legal abortion," the lawmakers said.

"Anticipating this outcome, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Reproductive Rights Caucus drafted and championed legislation to protect the right to choose. Just this week, the General Assembly passed The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act. This bill will expand access to abortion and ensure that Connecticut is a safe harbor not only for Connecticut residents, but also people across the country seeking to safely exercise their fundamental right to decide when and whether to be pregnant.”

"As bad as any overruling of Roe would be, this specific draft opinion is even worse. Its logic puts a host of other rights on the chopping block: gay marriage, other LGBTQ rights, contraception. Its language makes clear that nothing is off the table for this Court.

"But know this: if you are providing, assisting in, or seeking an abortion that is legal in Connecticut, we will defend you. If you are seeking to exercise your right to determine your reproductive future, we will defend you. If you are LGBTQ, we will defend you.

"As other states attack abortion rights, we are proud that our state is leading on protecting them. With enactment of the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, we will protect Connecticut’s abortion providers and all those coming from states where abortion has been banned to Connecticut seeking reproductive healthcare. Connecticut has long led on reproductive rights. We will continue to do so," the statement from the lawmakers concluded.

See related: Roe V. Wade Will Be Struck Down, Politico Reports, Citing Leaked Draft

Gov. Ned Lamont said, "Our state continues to take the steps necessary to protect and expand reproductive rights. Tonight, @LGSusanB and I say it louder and with more resolve than ever before, we will do everything in our power to defend abortion rights in Connecticut."

Attorney General William Tong said, “It is impossible to overstate just how tragic and destructive this decision would be, and what it would mean for the rights of women and patients nationwide."

"This would fundamentally and irrevocably change who we are as a nation, stripping rights that have been hard-wired into our laws for as long as many of us have been alive. If this decision stands, America will be immediately divided in two—states that will trust the personal and professional decisions of women and doctors, and states where craven politicians will seek to control and criminalize those choices," Tong said.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said, "This is devastating news. But remember, in a democracy, no decision is final. Now it's up to us to build a movement that makes sure women -not politicians or governments - control decisions about their bodies and their health care."

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal thanked Connecticut's lawmakers for acting to " protect reproductive rights, & people who exercise them. Gov. Lamont should sign this bill—now. Countless women tonight are feeling scared & alone, but they should know that this fight is far from over. This draft is by no means final, & states like CT are stepping up to protect them."