There are a lot of mixed emotions locally as a Supreme Court opinion overturned Roe v. Wade, the nearly 50-year-old ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion, on Friday.

State Senator Samra Brouk says her initial reaction was one of rage, sadness and fear for future generations.

“This is an issue about having control of your own uterus,” Sen. Brouk said. “Most people believe we should have control over our own uterus. I don’t need any legislative body telling me what I should do with my organs and with my ability to have a child. That is a personal decision for me, my partner and my doctor.

“When I think where I want my daughter to grow up, in high school, in college, and start her career,” Brouk continued. “Do I want her to go somewhere where we don’t even have the right we had 50 years ago, or do I want to go somewhere that is forward thinking and will protect the human rights of me and my family.”

Sen. Brouk says she will be working with colleagues on possible ways New York can become a sanctuary state for those that live in states that have banned abortions.

Sen. Harry Bronson believes this is a step in the wrong direction and hurts the individual rights of Americans.

“Today’s decision signals the end of Roe v. Wade in this country as we know it. This is not just a devastating blow for reproductive rights, but for the freedoms of all Americans. The very principles our country prides itself on have now been thrown into question. Millions of people are now in jeopardy.”

“For years, we’ve seen how the GOP is willing to go to great lengths to get what they want with no regard for constitutionality or majoritarian politics. By blocking a democratically elected president from appointing justices and setting the groundwork for the Trump administration to appoint three within his term – all of whom voted to reverse Roe v. Wade – it’s unfortunately not a surprise that we’ve reached this point. That’s why we passed the Reproductive Health Act in 2019 to codify Roe v. Wade into law here in New York.

“Our outrage is for the woman across the country who can’t afford to drive hundreds of miles away to receive an abortion. Or for those being forced to go through with a dangerous pregnancy that puts themselves in danger. We stand to not only lose autonomy over our own bodies, but also our own lives when the right to health care is infringed upon. With this decision, a host of other rights are in danger – including access to contraception, LGBTQ+ rights and interracial marriage – that could send us lightyears into the past.

“I will always defend reproductive choice and remain strong in our pursuit for equality and justice for all. This court decision is not the end – it’s the beginning of a renewed battle.”

Sen. Jeremy Cooney says he’s grateful that New York continues to keep abortion legal, but this decision affects others across the nation from getting access to safe abortion procedures.

 “Access to a safe and legal abortion should be available to anyone who needs it. Full stop,” Cooney said in a statement. “Choice is a cornerstone of our democracy and freedom as Americans. The U.S. Supreme Court reversing a decision that affords people choice over their future and their bodies is unfathomable. I’m grateful that here in New York we have remained steadfast in our support for abortion rights and that will not change.”

Former Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary said, who is challenging Joe Morelle for his seat in Congress this fall, also release a statement.

“The decision today by the High Court is historic, complex and certainly a victory for the pro-life movement,” said La’Ron Singletary, Congressional Candidate (NY-25). “What needs to be emphasized is that this ruling puts the issue of abortion directly into the hands of individual states. In New York, nothing changes regarding a woman’s right to choose whether to have an abortion. The New York State legislature voted to codify Roe vs. Wade and in doing so, has done precisely what the Supreme Court voted on today, to let states decide based on the will of the constituents who have elected their representatives to speak for them on these crucial issues. The High Court has acted prudently and, in this case, given power back to the People.”

Congressman Morelle released a statement of his own, saying:

“This is a tragic day in America: The Supreme Court has just delivered the most disastrous and terrifying ruling in decades. This formally begins an all-out assault on women’s rights.

“Today’s decision has reversed over 50 years of progress and will return our nation to a dark and dangerous era where women no longer have control over their own bodies. At this very moment, states around the nation are moving to criminalize a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions and her fundamental right to privacy.

“We must turn our anger into action. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting women’s healthcare, and I will work tirelessly to protect the essential rights and freedoms all women deserve.”