There is just one topic driving the conversation today, and that is the Supreme Court overruling Roe v. Wade and eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion in the United States. The 5-4 decision will have far-reaching and probably long-lasting impact, on women’s lives, the law, and politics, both in California and across the nation.

We knew it was coming, but now that it’s here, the reality is stark for those who support abortion rights. The overwhelming majority in the Bay Area and California, a very large majority nationwide, and the celebrations joyous for
the minority who have been working to overturn Roe for 49 years.

The immediate impact will be felt in the 26 states that will either outlaw or severely restrict abortion, but there will be deep ripple effects across the country, including here in California.

It’s anticipated that thousands of women will flock to California each year to seek access to safe abortions, overwhelming a system that just doesn’t have that kind of capacity. There is also the prospect that either a future Congress or the Supreme Court could make abortion illegal federally, which would override California’s laws.

And of course, there is the very real specter raised today by Justice Clarence Thomas, that this court could use this opinion to take away other constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to marry the person of one’s choosing, same sex marriage and access to birth control.

We are just seeing the first effects today of the potential political impact, both short and long term. 

For more, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Jeff Bell spoke with KCBS Radio political reporter Doug Sovern to discuss the potential impact, both short and long term.