Pro-Choice Caucus Leaders Recognize 49th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Pro-Choice Caucus co-chairs Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) released the following statement to mark the 49th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision occurring on January 22^nd, 2022:

"Tomorrow marks the 49th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, the case establishing the constitutional right to abortion. This critical decision has stood for nearly 50 years, yet we now face the very real possibility that this will be the last time we celebrate this anniversary. With the Supreme Court seemingly poised to allow a Mississippi abortion ban to stand, we face the very real possibility that Roe will be overturned.

"As co-chairs of the Pro-Choice Caucus, we are committed to ensuring that all people - no matter where they live, how much money they make, or how they get their health insurance - have access to the health care they need, including abortion. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their bodies and their lives, without interference from politicians. We know that Roe has been a critical legal pillar for nearly 50 years, but we also know that Roe alone has never been enough. The latest spate of court challenges only confirms this. We need explicit federal protections for abortion access.

"The House has already taken action: in September, we passed the Women's Health Protection Act, legislation to guarantee the right to access abortion throughout the United States. It's past time for the Senate to take up and pass this important bill.

"We face a real crisis, and one that will impact everyone. If Roe falls, 26 states could move to ban abortion, and 36 million women could lose abortion access. And while abortion bans impact everyone, their effects will be felt most sharply by those who already face barriers to care: people of color, people working to make ends meet, people living in rural areas, and others.

"We can't afford to wait. Abortion is essential, and we are committed to ensuring that it is accessible to all who need it."

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