Mayoral Musings: Reaction to Roe vs Wade Being Overturned

Last Friday, for many, was one of the darkest days they have seen in a long time. The decision by the Supreme Court to roll back the protections offered by Roe v. Wade was nothing short of earthshattering.

Some of you may already be writing the comment “why is a mayor commenting on this? Shouldn’t he stay in his lane?” The reality is that, statistically, one in four women will have or need an abortion by age 45. In Lansdale, that accounts for around 2,300 people. This is a local issue because the effects of this decision are felt on a local level by real people with real healthcare needs.  

Now, let’s dispense with some hard realities that need to be said. Ending the right to seek an abortion by overturning Roe was a reckless decision by the Supreme Court. It was not well thought out. It was not well reasoned. It was not about protecting children. It was about trying to regain control over the lives of millions of women across this country.

That is the only logical conclusion when you factor in all the other realities that go into the care of a child and the complete lack of support for those initiatives by so-called pro-life proponents. If it was about protecting and supporting children, why aren’t pro-life advocates fighting for universal pre-k, universal healthcare, or at a minimum, expanding FMLA so parents can spend more than 12 weeks with their newborn child? Those initiatives significantly improve the life of a newborn and the probability of success later in life. Yet, they are never discussed or even considered.

Without those considerations, you are left with the pure argument of forcing women to have a baby because others, who are not involved, want her to have it. There is no regard or respect for her safety, her life, or her right to self-determination. That is wrong and fundamentally un-American.

Obviously, I cannot change the decision the court has made. However, with issues like this, I often have residents ask what they can do or how they can feel empowered to protect the residents in Lansdale that might need this care? Thankfully Pennsylvania, currently, is a state that protects access to abortion services. However, that will now only be one election cycle away from potentially changing.

If you want to maintain access and protect women’s right to self-determination in our community, the most important thing you can do is vote, contribute, or campaign for candidates who support those efforts. Additionally, be aware that it is possible abortion access can be limited by constitutional amendment. If an amendment is proposed and makes it way to the ballot, make sure you vote no.

Your vote is critical to protecting the lives of millions of women across Pennsylvania and their fundamental right to self-determination. Everyone should have the ability to control their own destiny, and no one should have the right to force someone to have a family or to suffer through a pregnancy that threatens their life. To the 2,300 women in our community that need or needed these services. I support you. I know how important this issue is to you and I will do everything in my power to help protect your right to have the life you want in Lansdale; where you can live, work, and play in a way that makes sense for you.

(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own.)

See also:

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Mayoral Musings: Pride Month 2022

Mayoral Musings: Memorial Day 2022

Mayoral Musings: Vacancy Ordinance Discussion