New Nationwide Report Shows 2006 a Pivotal Year in Debate on Choice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 19, 2007 New Nationwide Report Shows 2006 a Pivotal Year in Debate on Choice State’s grade remains A+; Pro-choice leaders call for new vision in debate SAN FRANCISCO, California – NARAL Pro-Choice America today released the 16th annual Who Decides? The Status of Women’s Reproductive Rights in the United States, the nation’s most comprehensive report with analysis and tracking of choice-related legislation. This report comes as Americans commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide. In 2006, on a national level, voters called for a change in congressional leadership— electing 23 new pro-choice representatives and three new pro-choice senators. On a state level, pro-choice California voters were successful in defeating Prop 85, a deceptive measure that would put the state’s most vulnerable teens in danger by delaying access to quality counseling and medical care. These electoral gains in California came amid national setbacks in the courts, after the U.S. Senate confirmed anti-choice Samuel Alito to fill a key vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. Days after Alito’s confirmation, the Court agreed to hear arguments in a case that could have significant ramifications for Roe v. Wade’s protections. “Events in 2006 have altered the political landscape for choice. On November 7, Californians reaffirmed their commitment to a woman’s right to choose by electing pro-choice candidates and defeating anti-choice initiatives,” said Amy Everitt, state director of NARAL Pro-Choice California. “While we celebrate our wins here in California, this report is a reminder there is still much progress to be made. One election cycle cannot change everything, but pro-choice Californians showed that, by working together and acting on our values, we can lay the foundation for a future in which privacy and freedom are protected.” NARAL Pro-Choice California is celebrating the 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade with the Napa and Sonoma Valleys Roe v. Wade Anniversary Luncheon and Action Summit in Napa—an area of the state where access to choice and reproductive healthcare is vanishing. Just days ago, Sutter Medical Group announced their Santa Rosa hospital will be closing its doors in the coming year, forcing women in Santa Rosa seeking abortions to travel to Sonoma, Healdsburg, and other outlying areas. The summit will feature Sarah Weddington, the winning attorney in Roe v. Wade who argued the case at the age of 27. The report is made available through NARAL Pro-Choice America. The report and additional up-to-the minute information can be found at www.ProChoiceAmerica.org/whodecides. NARAL Pro-Choice California is the political arm of the pro-choice movement. The group works daily to elect pro-choice candidates, promote pro-choice policy, and mobilize pro-choice voters. Contact: Tamara Murray, 415/890-1020
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