Utah leaders react to SCOTUS abortion draft leak
May 3, 2022, 4:55 PM | Updated: 5:07 pm
(KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — Several Utah leaders have taken to social media to share their thoughts after a draft opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court on the Roe v. Wade case was leaked Monday.
Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson released a joint statement Monday night.
The statement reads in full: “While we are encouraged and optimistic at the possibility that abortion law will be left to the duly elected representatives of the states, draft rulings are not actual rulings and leaked drafts are a dangerous violation of court protocol and deliberations. Utah has already passed a law, SB174, that will govern if the high court decides to overturn Roe. We anxiously wait the court’s actual ruling in this case.”
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) May 3, 2022
Sen. Mitt Romney also shared his thoughts on the issue, saying if the the draft opinion turned out to be the final outcome, he would support the Supreme Court’s decision.
“The sanctity of human life is a foundational American principle. Laws regarding abortion would now be returned to the people and their elected representatives.”
He also called for an investigation into the leaking of the document.
“The breach of the Court’s deliberative process, however, is an appalling affront against a critical institution and should be fully investigated and those responsible should be punished.”
— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) May 3, 2022
Sen. Mike Lee said, “The Supreme Court is not like the other branches of government; is is not a political body. Deliberation and the maintenance of decorum and confidentiality are vital to the free operation of justices and the judicial system. To violate an understanding that has held for the entire modern history of the Court — seeking to place outside political pressure on the Court and the justices themselves — is dangerous, despicable, and damaging.”
He went on to say that he hopes what appears to be Justice Samuel Alito’s draft in fact reflects the majority opinion of the Supreme Court.
#SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/n10pN5eIsg
— Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) May 3, 2022
Rep. John Curtis also expressed his concern about the leaking of the draft.
“Like many, I am disturbed by the tremendous breach of trust that surrounds the leaked SCOTUS draft. Clearly, the Court has been robbed of the opportunity to follow a proven process as it refines its decisions.”
He then shared his thoughts on the draft in relation to the final Supreme Court ruling.
“Assuming an eventual ruling is in line with this draft, I find reason for celebration. As someone that has lived the entire five decades of Roe v. Wade, I can’t begin to imagine the totality of suffering and unspoken cries of the unborn during this period.”
Curtis closed his statement by saying, “I would welcome a ruling overturning Roe v. Wade and trust lawmakers at every level of government to pass legislation that aligns with their values, which in my view should include the preservation of life.”
— Rep. John Curtis (@RepJohnCurtis) May 3, 2022
On Tuesday, Rep. Chris Stewart posted a thread on Twitter, sharing his personal feelings about abortion and who should have the power to decide what the laws are.
“The draft opinion would not outlaw abortion. It would rightfully return power to you, the American people. You should debate the abortion laws in this country, and your state should make its own decision. It should not be left to unelected officials in a far-distant capital.”
The draft opinion would not outlaw abortion. It would rightfully return power to you, the American people.
You should debate the abortion laws in this country, and your state should make its own decision. It should not be left to unelected officials in a far-distant capital.
— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) May 3, 2022
He then addressed the leaking of the draft opinion.
“This unprecedented leak is a blatant attempt to severely damage the Supreme Court and its independence within our political system. It must be immediately investigated, and the leaker should be prosecuted.”
Stewart concluded his thoughts by saying he will continue to fight to be a voice for the truly voiceless.
I have always been committed to upholding the sanctity of life, and I will continue to fight to be a voice for the truly voiceless.
As we await the court's actual ruling, I pray for a decision that protects our most precious and fundamental right: the right to life.
— Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) May 3, 2022
Rep. Blake Moore wrote, “Protecting life is among my greatest responsibilities in Congress. If a variation of this draft opinion ends up becoming SCOTUS’s final ruling, as I pray it does, it’ll be a major step forward in restoring the authority of the people’s representatives to regulate abortion.”
He ended his Twitter thread by saying, “I believe our country can and must do far better for the most vulnerable members of our society.”
I was disheartened that Democrats in Congress voted for abortion on demand up until birth, and I believe our country can and must do far better for the most vulnerable members of our society. #utpolhttps://t.co/PN7hZ3zJCQ
— Rep. Blake Moore (@RepBlakeMoore) May 3, 2022
Rep. Burgess Owens similarly shared his frustrations and concerns about the leaking of the draft.
His tweet reads, in part, “Last night’s egregious leak of the internal deliberations of our nation’s highest court is deeply disturbing and must be investigated immediately. Any attempt to politicize this sacred institution is detrimental to the foundation of our independent judicial system.”
He also said he applauds the Supreme Court “for returning power to the people,” adding that every life “is precious and worth protecting.”
Every life – born and unborn – is precious and worth protecting. I applaud the Supreme Court for returning power to the people.
— Rep. Burgess Owens (@RepBurgessOwens) May 3, 2022
