Landmark Case Decided January 22, 1973

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) today joined colleagues from the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus to celebrate the landmark 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision:  

“We commemorate the 31^st anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade decision tomorrow, a historic step in women’s equal and reproductive rights.  Even while this anniversary is an occasion for celebration, it is also a date that reminds us that we have been kept from realizing all that Roe promised.  In short, the fundamental right of women to privacy and to control our own bodies remains under fire.”

“As the voice of the people, and especially as women, we must ensure that our government doesn’t undercut reproductive rights and sex education programs.  We must ensure that woman around the world receive access to family planning and vital HIV/AIDS prevention services they so desperately need – in short, we must repeal the Bush Administration’s Global Gag Rule.  We must ensure that our government does not interfere with the FDA drug approval process.”

“And we must fight to protect the judiciary from becoming more and more anti-choice.  Freedom of choice has made a significant difference in the lives and health of American women.  The most appropriate commemoration of the 31^st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade anniversary involves a renewed commitment to preserving freedom of choice.”

“Pro-choice Americans must stand up and make their voices heard if the right to choose is to endure for future generations.  I pledge to uphold this Constitutional right, and I challenge all lawmakers, the courts, and all Americans to do the same.”

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