TALLAHASSEE -- The U.S. Supreme Court has thrown out Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling declaring a right to an abortion nationwide. But now the issue is thrown to the states, and Florida leaders have plenty to say about it.

Republican U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, a longtime pro-life advocate, says the ruling in the Dobbs case was right "constitutionally and morally," saying that 63 million abortions "kept (the unborn) from pursuing their dreams." He's introducing a bill to offer more support for mothers and babies, including expanding the child tax credit.

Florida's other U.S. Senator, Republican Rick Scott says the decision "correctly confirms that there is no constitutional right to take a child’s life. I firmly believe that life begins at conception and that every child deserves to be welcomed into this world with open arms."

Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls of Palm Harbor welcomed the ruling, saying "I have been and always will be unmovable on (protecting) unborn life."

Lakeland Republican senator Kelli Stargel, co-author of a law restricting abortions after 15 weeks that is still under court review, said "The so-called ‘right’ to murder an unborn child was entirely invented by the Roe decision... It has been an honor for me to work with my colleagues on legislation to protect the innocent lives ended by abortion. "

Both of the major candidates running for the Democratic nomination for governor came out against the ruling. Nikki Fried is urging people to "stay angry" at Ron DeSantis and at her opponent, Charlie Crist. Meantime, Crist reiterated he would issue an executive order protecting abortion access if elected governor.

Planned Parenthood North, East and South Florida CEO Alex Mandado says "we will never back down. We will continue to fight to ensure that you get access to reproductive and sexual health care."

Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, a Democrat, says he's "disappointed" by the ruling and says it shows justices "only respect the precedent with which they agree."

Father Frank Pavone of Priests for Life, a Roman Catholic organization based in Titusville, offered a prayer of thanks after the ruling was announced, to "give thanks to President Trump... and Senate Republicans" who nominated and confirmed justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh and Barrett, part of the majority in the Dobbs case.

Former President Trump, now a Floridian, weighed in: "Today’s decision, which is the biggest WIN for LIFE in a generation, along with other decisions that have been announced recently, were only made possible because I delivered everything as promised, including nominating and getting three highly respected and strong Constitutionalists confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. It was my great honor to do so! I did not cave to the Radical Left Democrats, their partners in the Fake News Media, or the RINOs who are likewise the true, but silent, enemy of the people."

Florida Right to Life President Lynda Bell was attending a pro-life convention in Atlanta: "Everybody is crying and hugging... I've never seen anything like this."

Photo: Getty Images

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