Statement on the 30th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Wednesday, January 22nd marks the 30th anniversary of the landmark decision Roe v. Wade, which constitutionally guarantees access to safe and legal reproductive choice in the United States. With anti-choice majorities controlling both houses of Congress and an openly hostile Administration, there is widespread concern that this right is in jeopardy.

Sen. Murray released the following statement.

“As we mark the historic 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we cannot forget that reproductive choice is under attack, and the threat has never been greater.

The President has made it clear that anti-choice forces have a friend in the White House. And the new Republican majority in Congress has given notice of a systematic agenda to erode reproductive freedoms for women in the U.S. and overseas.

Since his first day in office President Bush has used his power to:

• Chip away at Roe v. Wade by supporting legislation and regulations extending legal rights to the unborn,
• Support a ban on so-called “partial birth abortions,” even when the health of the mother is at stake,
• Close the White House Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach,
• Put ideology ahead of medical evidence and research,
• Appoint or install anti-choice extremists in key Administration posts and on our court benches,
• And push anti-choice and anti-family planning policies both domestically and internationally.

In fact, on the first day of his administration, the President reinstated the Mexico City global gag clause, a harsh, anti-family planning policy that hurts the world’s poorest women and children.

Freedom of choice is essential for women’s health. Access to a broad range of reproductive options, from family planning to prenatal care, are fundamental issues of women’s health. Attempts to restrict these choices, especially abortion, will have devastating consequences.

I will continue to fight attempts to roll back a woman’s right to choose and to deny women access to safe and legal reproductive health services. I will also continue to work to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies by expanding access to safe and affordable family planning alternatives.

The stakes are high and we must be prepared for the looming battles over a woman’s right to choose. On the 30th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, we must remain vigilant if we are to protect this woman’s right for the next thirty years.”