Peninsula Officials Condemn Supreme Court Decision On Abortion

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Using phrases like “devastatingly dark day” and “deplorable," elected officials across the Peninsula reacted strongly to the Supreme Court’s landmark decision Friday to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending 50 years of federal abortion access.

Officials pledged to work to codify abortion rights into law and expand access in California.

“Today, for the first time in history, the Supreme Court eliminated a constitutional right,” said Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto). “This decision is cruel … I’m devastated that today my daughter has less freedom than I did.”

State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) called the 6-3 decision — with the three liberal justices in dissent — “highly politicized” and a “roll back” of human and reproductive rights.

“This assault on basic freedoms is not acceptable in our state,” Becker said. “Not. In. California. Even as we deplore the Supreme Court’s majority opinion, in California we cherish, protect, preserve and defend fundamental freedoms and human rights.”

The court’s decision, originally leaked months ago by Politico, will “put the lives of women in danger and cause direct harm to those in immediate need of abortion care,” according to Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco), who is also the state Assembly Speaker pro Tem and running to replace Rep. Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo) this year.

“The California State Legislature has been planning for this moment,” Mullin said. “We are moving to enshrine the right to safe and legal abortion in the California constitution and make our state a legal sanctuary for reproductive choice.”

Speier said the decision was a sign that the court has “become an extreme weapon of the far right.”

“The Court does not trust a woman to make this deeply personal decision for herself,” Speier said. “For my constituents and fellow Californians who think we are safe from the extremists that have taken over SCOTUS, think again. Republicans want a national ban on abortion.

Related: Roe V. Wade Overturned: What It Means In CA

Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) described the court as “ultra-conservative” and “far out of touch with the American people.”

“We will steadfastly protect the right to abortion in California,” Berman said. “This is a dark day in America.

Local officials were expected to speak at a rally at San Mateo’s Central Park at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

“The assault on women’s reproductive freedoms ends at the California border!” said San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa. “While the SCOTUS decision today gives red states the green light to ban abortions, here in California we must fight harder than ever to protect and expand women’s rights.”

Giselle Hale, the mayor of Redwood City and a candidate for state Assembly, tweeted: “Recall the Supreme Court!”

Hale added: “My daughter turns 6 today. The Supreme Court just ensured she will have fewer choices in her life than I have had in mine.”

Diane Papan, the deputy mayor of San Mateo and Hale’s likely opponent in the November general election, said that women may be coming to the area to seek abortions because of the vicinity to San Francisco International Airport.

“California is a state that values and protects the right of a woman to make decisions over her own body,” Papan said. “We must act decisively and boldly to remain a beacon of light and hope to those affected by this decision. Indeed, with San Francisco International Airport at the heart of this district, we should be mindful of those who may come here, seeking the help they need.”