|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Contact: Ranit Schmelzer or Jenice Robinson, 202-588-5180
NWLC: A DARK DAY FOR WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
(Washington, D.C.) Following is a statement by Marcia Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center, regarding the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision today in Gonzales v. Carhart. In the case, the Court upheld the federal abortion ban that contains no exception for the health of a woman.
“This decision is dangerous and undermines a core principle of Roe v. Wade that requires the protection of women’s health. The decision allows the federal government to trump the medical decisions of a woman and her doctor. The Court has fundamentally rejected Roe’s promise to American women that their health will be protected and their right to decide in this most personal area will be respected.
“Our federal judges matter. In the clearest possible way, this decision demonstrates how fundamental women’s rights can be eroded by packing the Courts with judges who are hostile to long-standing constitutional decisions like Roe v. Wade. When the Court last addressed this very issue seven years ago, it struck down a state law banning this procedure, in a 5-4 opinion written by Justice O’Connor. The Court’s balance has shifted with Justices Roberts and Alito. This new majority has declared open season on protections under Roe that women have relied on for 34 years.
“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists urged the Court not to allow a nation-wide ban of this medically necessary procedure. Yet the Court’s decision disregards the medical judgment of ACOG and the testimony of a host of respected physicians, and it instead allows the federal government to substitute its view for the opinion of medical experts.
“This case is about even more than a woman’s health when she seeks to terminate a pregnancy. As Justice Ginsburg said in her dissenting opinion, the Court’s decision is ‘alarming’ and undermines a woman’s ability to ‘determine her life’s course.’ The decision should deeply concern all Americans who believe that personal medical choices are not the business of politicians.”
###
