Wasserman Schultz on Roe v. Wade Anniversary

Washington, January 22, 2020 Throughout my career, I have been unwavering in my support for abortion rights. Such basic, personal rights can never be compromised. So, it is more important than ever that the pro-choice community remain vocal, united and sustained in countering any attacks on women’s reproductive freedom and our rights.

“Forty-seven years ago today the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion and affirmed our basic right as women to decide what we do with our own bodies. Nearly a half century later, that right is under relentless attack. State legislatures have passed sweeping abortion bans – even in cases of rape and incest – and the Trump Administration has this fundamental right squarely in its crosshairs. Domestically, they have dismantled Title X – the federal program that provides birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings, STD testing and other vital reproductive health services to millions of low-income people – by preventing health care providers who receive grants from giving patients information about abortion services. Internationally, the Administration reinstated and expanded the global gag rule, preventing foreign organizations that receive U.S. global health assistance from providing information, referrals or services for legal abortion, blocking access to health care and undermining reproductive rights globally.

“Despite this incessant assault, these facts remain unchanged: legal abortions remain the safe – and often medically-necessary – procedures that improve the lives of women, and any attempts to restrict or ban abortions have only led to higher rates of illness, injury and even death. Throughout my career, I have been unwavering in my support for abortion rights. Such basic, personal rights can never be compromised. So, it is more important than ever that the pro-choice community remain vocal, united and sustained in countering any attacks on women’s reproductive freedom and our rights.”