HARRISBURG, Pa. (WENY) - With news of the leaked draft opinion from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), many in Pennsylvania are wondering what it all can mean for the future of abortion access in the commonwealth. 

Some Pennsylvania lawmakers say it’s important to remember that there has been no official ruling yet, however, many believe the intention of SCOTUS to overturn Roe v. Wade is legitimate and may be a reality in just a few months. 

The short answer to how it may affect the future of abortions in Pennsylvania? It largely depends on this year’s election. If the decision is overturned, it will be up to individual states to determine the future of abortions. 

State Republican lawmakers have been pushing pro-life bills, like the Heartbeat bill, which would ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected, and other pieces of pro-life legislation for several sessions. 

Governor Tom Wolf has consistently vowed to veto any anti-abortion legislation. Since taking office, he’s vetoed three different anti-abortion bills introduced by members of Pennsylvania’s General Assembly. 

"A decision by the Supreme Court on Roe v. Wade will not have an immediate impact on Pennsylvania or its current laws. Should this opinion become final, abortion access in Pennsylvania will remain legal and safe as long as I am governor. I will continue to veto any legislation that threatens access to abortion and women's health care,” said Gov. Wolf in a Tuesday press release. “This draft opinion, if or when it becomes final, is a stunning, seismic reversal and will set back women's and birthing people’s health care by decades. I am extremely concerned for women and birthing people in Pennsylvania and across this country,” Wolf added. 

However, the clock is ticking on the amount of time Wolf has left to utilize his veto powers on anti-abortion legislation. This year’s election will feature key races for state House and Senate, and of course for governor. The gubernatorial race may be the most consequential when it comes to abortion, for either party.  

If Republicans keep a majority in the General Assembly following the general election in November, there's a good chance some pro-life bills will make it to the governor’s desk. If that governor is any of the several Republican candidates leading in the primary polls, some piece of pro-life legislation would likely become law. The top Republican candidates for governor have all indicated they would sign legislation to restrict or ban abortion. 

The only Democratic candidate for governor, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, has made it very clear he would veto any efforts to restrict abortion. 

Shapiro shared several tweets on the topic today, one of which read: “Abortion is legal in Pennsylvania under state law. It will remain legal, no matter what SCOTUS rules. The only way women lose their rights in PA is if our Republican Legislature passes an abortion ban and a Governor signs it. I'm going to fight like hell, and veto that bill.” 

Shapiro held a media call earlier this afternoon and said the stakes could not be higher, and that this will be a battle within the states. He says the best tool to fight anti-abortion efforts is the governor’s veto pen, a tool Democrats cannot afford to lose this November. 

“Roe v. Wade has been the law of the land for nearly 50 years. Although state legislators have attempted to dismantle this right, there are now multiple generations of Americans who have only lived in a country where abortion access is a right. However, for those of us who remember a time before the Roe v. Wade decision, we know this will have monumental, horrific consequences,” said Gov. Wolf. 

Some Republican lawmakers welcome the scenario where the decision would be up to the states. 

“The leaked decision shows promise that this could ultimately be turned over to the states and thus back to the people who will have will have the say as they vote. I for one have been and will always unapologetically stand for life,” said Representative Clint Owlett (R-Bradford/Tioga/Potter), who is also a member of the House Health Committee. 

Some Republican lawmakers have also introduced legislation to restrict abortion via constitutional amendment, which would ultimately have to be decided by voters. Neither SB 956, nor HB 2252 have made it out of committee for a vote. 

Currently in Pennsylvania, abortion is legal up to the 24th week of pregnancy. Only in cases of life or health endangerment are there exceptions for abortions 24 weeks or later.