January, 21 2010, 01:56pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Mai Shiozaki, 202-628-8669, ext. 116
Marking 37 Years of Roe v. Wade: A Year Marked With Tragedy and Restrictions on Abortion Care
WASHINGTON
On Friday, Jan. 22, the National Organization for Women (NOW) will
hold its annual rally and vigil at the U.S. Supreme Court,
commemorating and celebrating the 37th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision affirming women's constitutional right to abortion.
"One year ago today we were celebrating a new president who said he
was pro-choice, a Congress promising to defend reproductive rights, and
hopes for stronger policy to protect women's fundamental right to
abortion care," says NOW President Terry O'Neill. "Since then, our
reproductive rights have come under severe attack, with unprecedented
restrictions threatening abortion care coverage in the name of 'health
care reform.' In May, our dear friend Dr. George Tiller -- a man who
for 33 years defended women's constitutional right to access safe
abortion care -- was murdered in his own church," said O'Neill.
"Recent events are an indication that some believe abortion rights
can be easily bargained away, or controlled by powerful corporate
interests, or manipulated by the Catholic Bishops. The National
Organization for Women and our grassroots activists across the country
are committed to protecting and expanding access to abortion, which is
a basic, fundamental human right." said O'Neill.
WHAT: NOW's annual rally and vigil commemorating the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade
WHEN: Friday, January 22, 2010
WHERE: In front of the U.S. Supreme Court
Rally: 12:00 p.m.; Kick-off speech from NOW President Terry O'Neill
Silent Vigil: 5:00 p.m.; Opening remarks from NOW President Terry O'Neill
The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
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