Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards Statement on Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

“Thirty-seven years ago today, the Roe v. Wade decision solidified the right to choose for American women.  Today, as we celebrate and reflect on the landmark ruling, we are reminded that deciding whether and when to become a parent is one of the most personal and important choices we make.

“However, a women’s right to make personal health care decisions is under continuous assault by anti-choice organizations and individuals who use harassment and intimidation tactics in their attempt to deter women from seeking health care and doctors from providing it.  Just this past year, we mourned the loss of Dr. George Tiller who was killed while he was serving as an usher in his church.  In addition to harassment and intimidation tactics, anti-choice elected officials in state legislatures across the country frequently seek to erect barriers to prevent women from receiving timely, affordable care, including onerous measures like biased counseling, mandatory waiting periods and targeted restrictions on abortion providers.

“As we have for more than 90 years, Planned Parenthood remains steadfastly committed to both fighting efforts to undermine women’s health and providing a wide range of lifesaving preventive services like cancer screenings, contraception counseling, and abortion when it is the medical choice of the woman and those she trusts.” 

Planned Parenthood Federation of America is the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child, and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate 850 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year. We also work with allies worldwide to ensure that all women and men have the right and the means to meet their sexual and reproductive health care needs.