WASHINGTON—Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts and Heritage Action Executive Director Jessica Anderson released statements Thursday calling on governors and state legislatures to protect life following the anticipated overturning of Roe v. Wade in the upcoming Dobbs Supreme Court decision. 

Roberts:  

“Life is the most precious gift given to us by our Creator, and state lawmakers must seize the new opportunities they will have to protect it once the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. The stakes have never been higher, as the left and their pro-abortion cabal continue to violently push for late-term abortions, attempt to intimidate Supreme Court justices, and celebrate the death of innocent lives. 

 

“The vast majority of Americans support protecting life, and are counting on their governors and state lawmakers to stand up and defend the unborn. As science has progressed and our understanding has advanced, so has the desire to protect life in this country. We know life begins at conception. We know a baby has a heartbeat at 6 weeks, can feel pain at 15 weeks, and even survive outside the womb at 24 weeks.  

 

“Political leaders can no longer ignore the humanity of unborn babies. The left is intent on creating new laws to protect the mass killing of innocent lives. Those who support and cherish life must show them that our resolve is stronger. The American people can count on The Heritage Foundation to fight tirelessly until we become a fully pro-life nation. We won’t rest until we rebuild a culture of life in America.” 

Anderson: 

“State laws are finally beginning to reflect the views of the American people. As of today, 26 states already have protections for life on the books, but the rest of the states need to catch up.  

 

“With news of the impending Dobbs decision, we have already seen a number of state leaders, including Governors Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Henry McMaster of South Carolina, announce calls for special sessions once the Supreme Court’s decision is finalized. Other states should act quickly to defend the unborn, protect life, and revitalize a culture of life in America.  

 

“This is about protecting millions of innocent lives and the American family. Without our action, the left’s policies will threaten our children from the womb and beyond. Heritage Action will mobilize our 2 million grassroots activists across America to support pro-life policies and counter efforts by the radical left. Governors, state lawmakers, and other elected leaders: The time to act is now.”