Sessions Dodges Questions on Whether He would Overturn Roe Heading into Day 2 of Hearings

Refuses to say whether he would protect abortion access for victims of human trafficking 

Washington, DC -- Heading into day two of his nomination hearing, Senator Jeff Sessions failed to assuage fears about his long anti-woman, anti-immigrant record and his history of supporting racist policies and making racially charged statements. Responding to a line of questioning from California Senator Dianne Feinstein and Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono, Attorney General nominee Senator Jeff Sessions refused to say whether he would take steps to undermine Roe v. Wade as the chief law enforcement officer, or guarantee that victims of human trafficking would have the right to a safe, legal abortion in the case of rape or the life of the mother. Sessions also ducked questions about his history of opposition to voting rights and immigrant rights.

Sessions has in the past stated he believes that Roe vs. Wade violates the Constitution, raising serious questions about his willingness to protect the decision in full.

Statement from Dana Singiser, Vice President of Planned of Government Relations and Public Policy for Parenthood Federation of America:

“When Senator Sessions says that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land, you can bet that women and doctors will hold him to it. In the same breath, Senator Sessions clearly stated his disagreement with Roe, which has been on the books for 40 years. He also failed to be clear about whether he would protect the ability of women and girls who have been victims of sex trafficking - suffering under horrific circumstances - to obtain a safe, legal abortion under the law. The Hyde amendment is already a narrow, harmful provision that harms low income women and disproportionately impacts women of color. Jeff Sessions would do nothing to alleviate these barriers.

“Politicians cannot play politics with women’s lives. Women deserve a clear, certain answer on whether their Constitutional rights will be protected and their safety and health preserved under the law. If Senator Sessions fails to do this, he will hear loudly and directly from Planned Parenthood’s 9.5 million volunteers, donors, and supporters about his sexist, racist, and anti-immigrant record.”

 Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) also questioned Senator Sessions past ties to anti-abortion extremist group Operation Rescue and his past opposition to the FACE Act, a law protecting reproductive health care providers from violence.

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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.