In a landmark decision this morning, the United States Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, the long-standing ruling that formerly protected abortion rights in the country. While anti-abortion groups are celebrating the decision, local and state officials are looking to expand and protect reproductive rights in California.
The official decision comes about two months after the court’s leaked draft majority opinion indicated the justice’s plan to overturn Roe. This means that states now have the power to choose whether to allow abortion.
"This is really a devastating decision. I can’t say that we were surprised," said Luz Reyes-Martin with Planned Parenthood Central Coast. She said millions of people of reproductive age stand to lose access to abortion now that it is not federally protected.
13 states have trigger laws in place that will begin immediately banning abortion. Missouri became the first state to do that Friday morning.
“We are just seeing an attack on healthcare and this erosion of established precedent and a constitutional right that has held for 50 years," Reyes-Martin said.
But the Central Coast is not expected to have significant impacts to abortion access. California Governor Gavin Newsom along with the governors of Washington and Oregon announced a joint commitment to protect and expand reproductive rights in these states.
UC Davis law professor Mary Ziegler emphasized that the end of Roe v. Wade does not now make abortion unconstitutional.
“It’s letting each state do their own thing on abortion, so California would of course continue to make abortions available and protected," she said.
Toni Atkins, president pro Tem of the California State Senate, gave a message today for people in states where abortion is now illegal or heavily restricted.
“We are here for you, and I know that the providers are going to do everything in their power to see that you get the assistance you need," Atkins said.
Though abortion rights will not be impacted in California and may even expand, state leaders do expect an influx of travelers seeking abortions that could overcrowd clinics. Reyes-Martin with Planned Parenthood Central Coast said they’ve been preparing for this by hiring more nurses and medical staff.
Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups consider the end of Roe v. Wade as a victory. Molly Sheahan is the associate director for Life and Family Advocacy for the California Catholic Conference, which opposes abortion rights. She called today's decision "very hopeful."
"We've really advocated for transformative family policies, to ensure that families are really able to thrive in California and that no woman feels that the only choice she has is abortion," Sheahan said.
Protesters take to downtown SLO Friday evening
A protest in San Luis Obispo joined others across the country Friday evening. Representatives from organizations like Planned Parenthood Central Coast and Gala Pride and Diversity Center addressed the crowd of hundreds.
Miriam Shaw, the community organizer for Planned Parenthood Central Coast, said the healthcare organization will continue fighting to defend the rights of people to seek abortions.
“Abortion access should not be based on your ZIP code, income level or immigration status. This decision means that more people will have to overcome barriers to accessing essential healthcare, and we know that for some, the hurdles will be insurmountable," Shaw said.
San Luis Obispo Mayor Erica A. Stewart echoed the call from many local and state leaders that now is the time for action. She cited low turnout numbers in SLO County as something she says needs to change.
“This is not okay. In November, you need to come out and vote. You need to get people registered that aren't registered. You need to get them to come to vote. You need to help them get re-registered," Stewart said.
Former abortion provider, Susan Robinson, said she worries that other rights are at jeopardy now that the right to a safe and legal abortion is no longer guaranteed.
“I don't think this court is going to stop with Roe," Robinson said. "This morning, [Justice] Clarence Thomas said that the court has a duty to correct the error of the decisions based on the 14th amendment that established the right to contraception and the right to marriage equality."
Santa Barbara sees vigil, protest in support of abortion rights
Santa Barbara was another major destination for pro-choice protests on the Central Coast. On Friday night, protesters and representatives from organizations like Planned Parenthood Central Coast and Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County turned out for a vigil and demonstration.
One participant, Erin Wilson, said she does not consider herself a Democrat, but that conservative policies and anti-abortion ideas have led her to no longer consider voting for Republicans.
“It's sad that we now need to have a litmus test," Wilson said. "I'm not a Democrat, but my new litmus test is I will only vote for a pro-choice Democrat, and I'm not even a Democrat.”
Another protestor, Angela Cantu, said one reason she showed up was to make people less complacent about developments like this that can endanger people’s lives.
“Because Santa Barbara's really comfortable, it's like, ‘Everything's nice and sunny, we have the beach!' Actually, outside of California, people are dying," Cantu said.
Lily Ortiz agreed, saying that while the decision may not affect Californians very much, it’s different for people in other states.
“It's very just jarring how fast it can change. I mean obviously we're in California, so it's not not affecting us, but I want to give a voice, or amplify, the people who are actually feeling the effects — especially today.”
This story includes reporting from the California Newsroom and CapRadio News.
