Supreme Court abortion ruling updates: WH warns of ‘nightmare scenarios’

The Supreme Court voted to overrule the decisions of Roe and Casey.

The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in a much-anticipated ruling Friday in one of its biggest decisions this term.

The court voted 5-4, largely along party lines, to overturn Roe and 6-3, in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which involved Mississippi's ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Abortion rights supporters react to the overturning of Roe v Wade outside the United States Supreme Court in Washington, June 24, 2022.
Mary F. Calvert/Reuters

It appeared that the panel's conservative majority of justices was ready to overturn nearly 50 years of established abortion rights after last month's leaked draft decision indicated as much.

Jun 24, 2022, 12:18 PM EDT

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists condemns ruling

"The restrictions put forth are not based on science nor medicine; they allow unrelated third parties to make decisions that rightfully and ethically should be made only by individuals and their physicians," Hoskins said.

She said the decision will disproportionately impact people already facing barriers to health care and that laws will make people face possible risks of pregnancy, including "the morbidity and mortality associated with childbirth."

"The principle of shared decision-making is founded on respect for peoples’ expertise in their own bodies and lives and clinicians’ expertise in science and medicine," Hoskins said. "There is no room within the sanctuary of the patient-physician relationship for individual lawmakers who wish to impose their personal religious or ideological views on others."

Jun 24, 2022, 12:16 PM EDT

NAACP says SCOTUS decision will ‘disproportionately impact Black women and lower-income communities of color'

Following the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, leaders from racial justice groups are expressing outrage.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision marks a significant regression of our country. As a legal professional, I am astounded by this decision. As a Black woman, I am outraged,” said Janette McCarthy Wallace, general counsel for the NAACP, in part of a statement.

“There is no denying the fact that this is a direct attack on all women and Black women stand to be disproportionately impacted by the court’s egregious assault on basic human rights,” she said.

Portia White, the policy and legislative affairs vice president for the NAACP, encouraged Americans to “fight back” by voting.

“If you're not registered to vote, or know someone who isn't, now is the moment. This is no time for anyone to sit on the sidelines," White wrote in part of a statement.

Jun 24, 2022, 12:04 PM EDT

NARAL Pro-Choice America condemns court decision, calling it 'worst-case scenario'

Mini Timmaraju, president of pro-abortion group NARAL, called the court's decision "the worst-case scenario" and warned the anti-abortion movement and its political allies want to enact a nationwide ban on abortion.

"The impact on the real lives of real people will be devastating. The Supreme Court has given the green light to extremist state lawmakers who will waste no time springing into action to put in place total bans on abortion," Timmaraju said in a statement.

"But it is not the end of this fight. The 8 in 10 Americans who support the legal right to abortion will not let this stand. There is an election in November, and extremist politicians will learn: when you come for our rights, we come for your seats," Timmaraju said.

Jun 24, 2022, 12:04 PM EDT

Capitol Police says demonstrators can protest near SCOTUS

Capitol Police said in a tweet Friday that demonstrators can protest near the Supreme Court but must listen to police instruction.

"Demonstrators are gathering on Capitol Grounds, near the U.S. Supreme Court." the tweet read.

"Protesters are allowed to peacefully demonstrate, however they must follow the officer's instructions so that everyone stays safe."