HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut officials are weighing in on the leak of a draft opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court that would overturn Roe v. Wade.
"While long expected, the Supreme Court’s draft decision overruling Roe v. Wade is nevertheless devastating," The Connecticut General Assembly's Reproductive Rights Caucus said, "We are heartbroken for all those who will soon lose access to safe, legal abortion."
Pregnant people will only be free, Caucus Co-Chair State Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D) said, when they have access to all forms of reproductive healthcare, including abortion.
State Attorney General William Tong echoed the statement, saying that if true, “it is impossible to overstate just how tragic and destructive this decision would be, and what it would mean for the rights of women and patients nationwide."
Tong called the drafted decision "an outrage" and "an attack" on women, patients and Connecticut families. He made it clear that Connecticut will fight any efforts in Washington to outlaw abortion and reproductive rights on a federal level.
"I will defend you, anytime, anyplace. This is healthcare. It is a fundamental human right and this will not stand in Connecticut. Connecticut will fight to protect women, patients and reproductive healthcare," Tong said.
With the legislature's recent passage of the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, Gilchrest said Connecticut is at the forefront of protecting those seeking and providing abortions.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT03), who chairs the House Appropriations Committee, said she's "horrified, ashamed and angry," adding that she's proud to represent a state she says is proactively protecting the right to choose.
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz voiced a strong stance in preserving the state's protections concerning abortion and healthcare, saying that she and Governor Ned Lamont will be "champions of reproductive freedom."
"I want you to know that the governor and I, and our partners in the legislature, are your line of defense. We are ready and we will fight against any attack on fundamental freedoms in our state," Bysiewicz said.
