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Midlanders react to overturning of Roe v. Wade

Democrats of Midland unite on June 24 to discuss petitions protecting reproductive rights at the Democratic Party Office in Midland.
Jill Harrington
Democrats of Midland unite on June 24 to discuss petitions protecting reproductive rights at the Democratic Party Office in Midland.

Right now, some Americans are mourning the loss of Roe V Wade. Others are celebrating the end of the 50-year-old precedent.

In Midland, Bonnie Schuon is in support the decision to overturn Roe V Wade. She defines herself as a conservative republican and cites her religion as an argument against abortion.

“It's going down to the States," she said. "But spiritually, I'm pretty sure that this is going to make a significant shift from a spiritual perspective."

Another anti-abortion Midlander, Jennifer Hubble, says the ruling may sway her vote in the 2022 election.

"I'm for it," Hubble said. "Because I believe that children have a right to life.

Tammy DeRuyter, also of Midland, is opposed to the ruling. She said she used to hold opinions that were far-right, but now she says many conservatives have a false sense of certainty in knowing what God wants.

“I would venture to say that most people who have passionate far right opinions, don't know somebody who's had an unplanned pregnancy or somebody whose health issues might now be severely impacted,” DeRuyter said.

She said voters can be both pro-Jesus and pro-choice.

“I have led a young singles moms group in Midland," DeRuyter said. "I know their struggles. I know that we are not funding the Post birth services that these women are going to need.”

DeRuyter says an abortion ban will hurt all women, but especially low income women.

Jill Harrington is a senior at CMU majoring in journalism and minoring in theatre and interpretation. Jill grew up in Novi, Michigan and started reporting for WCMU in summer 2022.