In the News

Oklahoma lawmakers, officials react to Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

FOX 23

Washington, DC, June 24, 2022
Oklahoma lawmakers and officials are weighing in on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on a case that overturns Roe v. Wade.

The Supreme Court released its opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Friday morning.

The high court decided that a 2018 Mississippi state law banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy is constitutional. The ruling now allows states to ban abortions.

The following are statements released by state lawmakers and officials about the decision

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe:

“I am overjoyed to hear that the Supreme Court has announced its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade today,” Inhofe said. “For almost 50 years, our nation has wrongly operated under the tragic belief that there is a constitutional “right” to end the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. The Court has now rightfully declared that Roe was wrong from the start, and we can begin to chart a new course on the journey to protect life. During my time in Congress, I have gladly fought to give a voice to the voiceless and I will continue the fight during the remainder of my tenure in the Senate.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt:

“I am very excited that the Supreme Court made this courageous decision. Abortion is a state’s rights issue and it belongs to the people. I promised Oklahomans I would sign every pro-life bill that came across my desk and I am proud to have kept that promise, especially today as Oklahoma now has trigger laws to ban abortion in our state. I am proud to be called America’s most pro-life governor and I’m looking forward to the rest of the country following Oklahoma’s lead to protect life.”

Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor:

“After almost 50 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has wiped one of the most horrifying opinions in American history from the books. It has courageously done so in the face of intimidation, leaks, violence, and even an assassination attempt,” Attorney General O’Connor stated. “Roe not only took away over 60 million lives, it also barred Oklahomans and all other Americans from protecting our unborn children. We should help every woman facing a crisis pregnancy, but not at the cost of the innocent child’s life. This is truly a day for celebration and thanksgiving.”

U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern:

“Every child deserves the right to life,” said Rep. Hern. “It’s our sacred responsibility not only to defend this right but ensure that mothers and children are provided with the resources they need. It’s been 50 years since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, resulting in the murders of millions of children. Today, the Supreme Court correctly reversed this unconstitutional decision and returned the question to the states. I am proud to support life at every stage and applaud the Supreme Court for their thoughtful and attentive consideration of this important case in the face of unprecedented threats of violence and intimidation against the Court.”

U.S. Rep. Markwayne Mullin:

“The Scales of Justice have weighed in favor of life,” Mullin said. “This is a historic day in our country. The sanctity of every life has prevailed and the unalienable rights prescribed by our forefathers have been restored. I am grateful for the system of checks and balances that allows for judicial review of prior decisions. And I am grateful as well for the affirmation of States’ rights, allowing states like Oklahoma to elevate life.”