Constitutional Law

Happy Anniversary, Roe!

By Allie Bohm, Washington Legislative Office

Thirty-seven years ago Friday, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Roe v. Wade, legalizing abortion in this country and giving women another means to decide whether and when to become a parent. The decision, recognizing abortion as a private decision between a woman and her doctor, allowed women to legally end unhealthy or unintended pregnancies and advanced women's equality by giving women the opportunity to make important decisions not only about their health and the health and well-being of their families, but also about education and employment.

To celebrate this anniversary, Louise Melling, director of ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Project, penned a retrospective of the past 10 years in reproductive freedom, we've posted a review of some important reproductive rights cases to look out for in the coming year, and those of us in the Washington Legislative Office, compiled a summary of hot reproductive rights issues to watch in this Congress. Check them out.

Last Friday, we celebrated one of the biggest victories in the history of the reproductive freedom movement. But, especially in light of the recent health care debate, we realize that the right to abortion ought never be taken for granted. We celebrate the anniversary of Roe v. Wade knowing that we rely on your activism to keep abortion safe, legal, and accessible in this country. Help us to celebrate the Roe v. Wade's 37th anniversary by joining the ACLU's Action Network.

Full post as published by Blog of Rights on January 26, 2010 (boomark / email).