COLUMBUS — Today, Desiree Tims, President and CEO of Innovation Ohio, released the following statement condemning the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively ending federal abortion protections:

“Today, the unthinkable occurred. The conservative-controlled U.S. Supreme Court ignored decades of precedent and overturned Roe v. Wade. They ended federal protection for abortion rights.

“Dozens of states — including Ohio — will likely now ban all abortion without any exemptions, including rape or incest.

“Ohio’s Republican supermajority will have the power to force its residents to give birth when they become pregnant.

“It’s hard to fathom the devastating impacts of this decision. That’s why this cannot be the end of our fight — it must be the beginning of a movement. We can and will right this deadly wrong together.

“For the time being, abortion remains LEGAL in Ohio. Most Americans and Ohioans support the basic human right to decide what happens to our own bodies.

“It’s time for the majority to speak with one voice that cannot be ignored. We must not allow an illegitimate minority to take away our personal freedoms.

“This catastrophic decision also highlights another truth: local and state elected officials hold our lives in their hands. Down ballot races have never been more important.

“We must vote in every single election, especially for state Supreme Court candidates. Ohio’s Supreme Court will likely now decide the future of abortion rights in our communities.

“Mark this year’s election date in your calendar: November 8, 2022. We will defend our rights from the ground up.

“I know many Ohioans are feeling fear and even defeat right now, but I want you to know there are people fighting with and for you. Democrats at all levels of government continue to fight for our rights, and we are deeply grateful for their work.

“We are angrier and more determined than we’ve ever been. We will never give up. Ohioans and Americans will stand together in the ongoing fight for our freedoms.”