WASHINGTON - January 22 - NOW President Terry O'Neill will lead a candlelight vigil on Tuesday, Jan. 22, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that recognized women's fundamental right to abortion.

"NOW affirms that women's access to the full range of reproductive health services -- including safe, legal and affordable abortion care and birth control -- is integral to women's ability to participate equally in our society," said O'Neill. "Roe v. Wade has helped improve women's status in the U.S. and saved countless women's lives."

What: 40th Anniversary Roe v. Wade Candlelight Vigil

Who: Terry O'Neill, president, National Organization for Women; Ellie Smeal, president, Feminist Majority Foundation; Kimberly Inez McGurie, senior policy analyst, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health; Allison Stouffer, vice president, DC NOW

When: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Where: U.S. Supreme Court, Washington, D.C.

"For the last two years, abortion and birth control have been under increased attack at both the state and federal level," said O'Neill. "In the face of these attacks, U.S. voters re-elected President Obama, who has worked to defend and advance women's access to reproductive health care services. Coming one day after the president's inauguration, I predict a high level of energy and optimism outside the Supreme Court on Jan. 22."