I am deeply saddened by the U. S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Across the country, this decision will insert gerrymandered state legislatures into deeply personal decisions that should be left to the person carrying the pregnancy.

I am grateful that the right to end an unwanted or dangerous pregnancy will likely long be recognized in the State of Illinois, but I fear for the health and safety of pregnant people in other states who will now face hardships that Supreme Court justices will never experience.

The Episcopal Church has long been clear in its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and to act upon them.” We will continue to advocate peacefully for this right, and to assist—through prayer, presence and other means—all those who must make decisions about ending a pregnancy.