Planned Parenthood Applauds Introduction of Freedom of Choice Act
Measure Will Protect Women's Private Medical Decisions From Political Interference
WASHINGTON, DC — Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), the nation's leading reproductive health care advocate and provider, today applauded Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) for introducing the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). FOCA would codify in federal law the protections for a woman's right to choose as outlined in Roe v. Wade.
PPFA President Cecile Richards issued the following statement on the introduction of FOCA:
"Every year, millions of women depend on Planned Parenthood for reproductive health care services, including birth control, cancer screenings, and abortion. We challenged the federal abortion ban in court because it jeopardizes women's health and safety.
"The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling yesterday in this case represents a seismic shift for the Supreme Court and the nation. With new Bush appointees, this court has unraveled more than 30 years of precedent protecting women's health. For the first time, the court told women that, when their health is at risk during pregnancy, deciding what to do is no longer up to them and their doctors, it is instead up to politicians. The future of legal access to abortion in this country is grim.”
"It's time for Congress to stand up for women's health, women's safety, and a woman's right to make her own medical decisions. American women deserve the protection of federal law to preserve their right to make personal health care decisions free of government intrusion. We call on Congress to pass the Freedom of Choice Act."
For more information about FOCA, visit http://www.plannedparenthood.org/news-articles-press/politics-policy-issues/foca-questions-12445.htm
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Planned Parenthood Federation of America is the nation's leading sexual and reproductive health care advocate and provider. 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 more than 860 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.
Contacts
Erin Kiernon, 202-973-4975
Published: 04.19.07
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