Planned Parenthood Message to Senate on Supreme Court Nominee Gorsuch: Opposition to Roe v. Wade is a Disqualifier

For Immediate Release: Feb. 1, 2017

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WASHINGTON - Tonight President Trump announced Judge Neil Gorsuch as his nominee for the Supreme Court of the United States:

Statement from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood of America

“We have a message for members of the Senate on Judge Gorsuch: opposing Roe v Wade is a disqualifier. The right to safe and legal abortion has been the law of the land for more than 40 years, and is a part of the fabric of this country. Nominees to the highest court in the land must make clear that they will protect our fundamental rights -- including the right of a woman to control her body. There has never been a more important Supreme Court nomination. It has become crystal clear that the courts are going to be the last - and sometimes only - line of defense against dangerous and unconstitutional attacks on basic rights. At risk is a woman’s right to control her own body and access health care, the right to vote, and the right of all people in this country to be free from discrimination based on who they love, where they come from, their race, and their religious beliefs. President Trump’s nominee, Neil Gorsuch, has an alarming history of interfering with reproductive rights and health. Planned Parenthood calls on every United States Senator to uphold a fundamental standard: if you oppose Roe v Wade and women’s access to basic health care, you are not qualified to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States.”

Earlier today, Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards sent Senate leaders McConnell and Schumer a letter making clear that it is unacceptable to appoint any justice to the highest court in the land who will attack a woman’s right to reproductive freedom. Americans overwhelmingly support keeping abortion safe and legal, which has been the law of the land for more than 40 years.

Background:

Support for access to safe, legal abortion is at a record high -- nearly 70 percent of Americans don’t want to see Roe v. Wade overturned, the highest rate since the case was decided more than 40 years ago -- and that includes people who voted for President Trump.

• Contrary to stereotypes, Latinos in this country are also very supportive of access to reproductive health care, including safe, legal abortion. According toa pollcommissioned by the National Latina Institute of Reproductive Health, 67 percent of Latino/a voters do not want to see Roe v. Wade overturned, and 82 percent agree with women making their own decision on the issue without political interference.
• Gorsuch ruled in favor of the idea that corporations are people and against women’s access to contraception. He also sided with politicians trying to deny women and men access to  basic health care like STD tests and reproductive health care education services provided by Planned Parenthood health centers. Gorsuch has also been highly critical of LGBTQ advocates and others who turn to the courts to protect their constitutional rights.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With over 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.