Coalition for Choice Marks Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

The Connecticut Coalition for Choice commemorated the 39^th anniversary of Roe v. Wade on Monday with a news conference at the Legislative Office Building.

In attendance to express support of the landmark Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States were a number of state constitutional officers, elected officials, leaders from pro-choice organizations and supporters. Speakers focused on how this landmark victory for women’s health and rights is being threatened at many levels.

“In 2011 state legislatures passed more than triple the number of abortion restrictions than in 2010 — the highest ever – while Congress has spent their time introducing and passing bills that cut basic health care services. These services provide funding for family planning, or restrict access to lifesaving health care, including breast exams, cancer screenings, and birth control” said Gretchen Raffa of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, co-chair of the CT Coalition for Choice. Speakers praised Connecticut’s strong pro-choice history and its elected leaders who continue to trust Connecticut women and their families.  

“Your [coalition’s] work on behalf of a woman's right to choose is as crucial today as it was nearly four decades ago. Because despite all the gains we have made over the years, the battle is not yet over,” said Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman.

Each year the CT Coalition for Choice marks the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the case in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the right to privacy in the U.S. Constitution extends to women and protects their right to choose to continue a pregnancy to term or to have a safe and legal abortion.

“Today we honor our strong pro-choice history and Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) is proud to stand with our partners to recognize this important anniversary. The significance of Roe V. Wade to advance women’s rights and opportunities cannot be overstated,” said Amy Miller of (CWEALF) and co-chair of the CT Coalition for Choice.

“Here at the state level we will work with our legislative allies to defend women’s health care and secure the rights provided by the Roe decision,” added Gretchen Raffa.