TOPSHOT - Pro-choice activists participate in a "flash-mob" demonstration outside of the US Supreme Court on January 22, 2022 in Washington, DC. - January 22 marks the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that established the constitutional right to abortion care in the United States. (Photo by Alex Edelman / AFP) (Photo by ALEX EDELMAN/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a six to three decision, the Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. Justice Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer have dissented.
The constitutional right to abortion is no longer a guarantee in the United States.
The decision has been anticipated since a draft of the opinion was leaked by Politico. Justice Samuel Alito drafted the 213-page opinion to the court joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.
Justice Roberts filed an opinion concurring with the judgement to uphold Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, but he noted he would not have overturned Roe v. Wade.
Planned Parenthood has released multiple statements since the decision came down this morning.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court just overturned Roe v. Wade, ending our constitutional right to abortion. We know you may be feeling a lot of things right now — hurt, anger, confusion. Whatever you feel is OK. We’re here with you — and we’ll never stop fighting for you.
Local reaction is coming in, with Mayor Erin Medenhall saying, “This is infuriating, devastating news. This decision by the Supreme Court will have devastating consequences nationwide, particularly for women of color and low-income women.”
She continued, “My heart is with every woman in Salt Lake City today. This is a giant step backwards for Americans.”
Senator Mike Lee released a statement that reads in part, “The national nightmare of Roe has ended.”
Salt Lake City resident, Alexie Zollinger said she felt disgusted when the ruling was announced.
“The Supreme Court just told me that I can’t decide what’s best for me and my body. I had my rights taken from me while I was on my break at work.”
Zollinger said she felt like moving out of Utah.
Protests and marches have started to pop up around the country. Planed Parenthood of Utah announced a gathering to protest the ruling at the Utah State Capitol Friday night.
A “Post-Roe Rally and Celebration” held by Pro-Life Utah will take place at the capitol on July 2.
This article has been updated to correct that the decision was in fact a 6-3, not 5-4. This story will be updated as information becomes available.