The political impact of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision | News | #republicans | #Alabama | #GOP

“The State can thus regulate or prohibit those interventions for children, even if an adult wants the drugs for his child,” says Marshall. “Just as the parental relationship does not unlock a Due Process right allowing parents to obtain medical marijuana or abortions for their children, neither does it unlock a right to transitioning treatments.”

“The district court thus erred when it found in the Due Process Clause a fundamental right for parents ‘to treat their children with transitioning medications,” the court document continues. “Neither the district court nor Plaintiffs even attempted to show how such a right is deeply rooted in our nation’s history and traditions, which it obviously is not.”

“Indeed, courts are in one accord that there is no personal substantive-due-process right for anyone—adult or child—to obtain medical treatments deemed dangerous or experimental by the government, so there is no reason to think that parents have a right to obtain those same treatments for their children,” Marshall states. “And even if some novel right to obtain transitioning treatments existed, the Act passes any level of scrutiny: It serves the compelling interest of protecting children from unproven, life-altering medical interventions, and no other approach would offer children in Alabama adequate protection.”

“No one—adult or child—has a right to transitioning treatments that is deeply rooted in our Nation’s history and tradition,” Marshall said in a statement online.

“The Alabama Republican Party believes that every life is precious and should be protected and celebrated. I cannot communicate how excited I am about the possibility of correcting the tragedy of Roe v. Wade and restoring the sanctity of life. It gives me hope in the ideals of individual liberty and protecting the rights of every person from the moment of conception to the grave,” said Wahl. 

“The Alabama Republican Party will continue its work with our state leaders on measures that will help expectant and new mothers, as well as the children of our state. We will also fight to cut bureaucratic red tape to make adoptions easier and more cost-effective for families. We must help and protect both the born and the unborn, take care of those in need, and provide viable alternatives for those facing difficult situations. We care about and love both the mothers and the babies of our state,” said Wahl.

“Our prayers have been answered! States can now protect the sacred right to life — and I’m confident that’s exactly what Alabama will do,” said US Senate candidate Katie Britt in a statement following the court decision.

“Today is the day we have been praying and fighting for. Finally, we as a Nation legally recognize that Life is worth protecting. This decision does not end abortion in America – that fight isn’t over – but it does correct the horrible wrong that was Roe v Wade and returns the power to the States and the people to protect the unborn. Now we as Americans need to do more to expand adoption programs and support Mothers and babies that need it. Every child in America has the right to be born and should also have the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy,” said congressional candidate Dale Strong in a statement following the court decision.

“I think the biggest immediate impact is going to be access to healthcare and for women. Alabama doesn’t have a lot of clinics anyway, and for women who need that particular care, it’s going to limit their access. For those who can afford it, they’ll be able to go other places to states that do offer that type of care. I think it’s going to affect African Americans because African Americans are less likely to have the ability or money as well as transportation to travel out of state to have that procedure done,” said Simelton.

“I think it’s going to result in some people going to someone that doesn’t know what they’re doing, or some moms getting so desperate that they’re going to try to do something themselves, either something they would have seen on YouTube or something they have read on Facebook or other social media. We pray that that doesn’t happen, but sometimes people who are in a desperate situation they do things that they normally would not have done. If you don’t have access or the ability to have proper counseling and things like that, you will make a rash decision that will in the end not be the best choice,” said Simelton.

“The quick answer to that is to reverse the decision on Roe v. Wade and codify it [access to abortion care] in legislation. That’s not likely to happen anytime soon. I think even if there were some other type of case that was brought before the Supreme Court, they wouldn’t reverse the decision anytime soon. The legislative process I think is going to take years. When I say years, I don’t mean one or two years. I’m talking about four or five years. I think legislators are going to see really what impact this is going to have. They’re going to wait and see what pregnant moms are going to do. Are they going to revert back to some of these things they did before Roe versus Wade and at that point there may be some move to codify Roe versus Wade in legislation,” said Simelton.

“I just don’t think especially on the federal side, there aren’t enough votes to pass any type of legislation, and of course with the election coming up, people are certainly not going to make too many movements one way or the other, you know, some will but those who are running for office who are not currently in office I don’t think they’re going to come out too forceful for or against this,” said Simelton.

“I know, in Alabama, a lot of people say it’s not going to make a difference. I don’t take for granted that Ivey is going to be reelected governor. I don’t take it for granted that Dale Strong is going to be elected to Congress or Katie Britt is going to be elected to the Senate. Even those who are on the same side of the issues that we are, they have to make themselves known. So that, if their opponent does win, at least their opponent will know that someone is watching what they’re doing and that we’re going to hold them accountable for the decision and how they vote on legislation and the critical decisions that they make. Not only in the case of Roe versus Wade but in other critical decisions for the state of Alabama,” said Simelton.

“Voting rights are one of those things that we have been pushing for since the Supreme Court overturned a portion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 back in 2013. We still feel that that needs to be re-examined in legislation. There have been several bills such as the John Lewis Advancement Act that had been introduced that have passed in the House but don’t have the votes in the Senate because the Senate does not have enough votes to stop a filibuster. It just kind of floats out there in the Senate. So voting is very important. Regardless of if you feel that your candidate has a chance, you still need to get out there and vote,” said Simelton.

“I was both shocked and overjoyed to see Roe overturned. It will save countless lives. I read that between 65-75% of mothers, when denied a legal abortion, will then choose to carry to term. But it is important to note that the Supreme Court has not placed a nationwide ban on abortion. They simply handed the power back to the states, for each one makes its own laws. Ironically, many of the areas with the most protestors are the same states where abortion is becoming even more accessible than before. This is just one area where people seem to be confused about the facts,” said Adams.

“I’m concerned with the amount of misinformation and fear mongering on social media. I’ve seen posts and stories claiming that certain medically necessary treatments for women are now going to be illegal in the states with stricter abortion laws. This couldn’t be further from the truth. These procedures include a D&C (sometimes needed after a natural miscarriage), a saplingectomy (life-saving treatment for a woman who experiences an ectopic pregnancy), or even a preterm parturition (premature birth in order to save a mother’s life). None of these things have been made illegal anywhere in the US. But false claims are being circulated, and many women are scared. That’s why it is so important that we research carefully, and correct misinformation when we see it,” said Adams.

“Of course, the biggest concern that I have is the number of pregnant women who will need our support. The pro-life movement has more work to do than ever before! For those who want to help, there are many charities and groups we can give our time and resources to,” said Adams.

“All of that to say: our work has just begun! While I am grateful that abortions will be less common, we can’t stop here. We must work together to make abortion unthinkable,” said Adams.

The News Courier requested statements from the Limestone Democratic Party and the Limestone Republican Party but did not receive a response as of press time.