A symbol of progress and a cornerstone of reproductive freedom

by Rick Larsen

Today marks the anniversary of the historic Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade.

In 1973, the Supreme Court established the legal right to abortion. This decision marked a crucial moment in the fight for reproductive rights, recognizing autonomy over our own bodies, and safeguarding the right to make family planning decisions. For decades, Roe v. Wade has been a symbol of progress and a cornerstone of reproductive freedom.

However, the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health decision in 2022 has posed a significant challenge to the principles established by Roe v. Wade. This decision allows states to impose restrictive abortion laws and undermines the foundation of reproductive rights. This catastrophic decision jeopardizes access to safe and legal abortion services.

Now, in communities across the country, citizens are living with the devastating and deadly consequences of this ruling.

In the years since the Dobbs decision, there has been an escalation in attacks on reproductive freedom, including a forced vote in the House by the radical right-wing majority attempting to limit abortion care.

I voted no because my job is to protect your ability to make decisions about your body — and to keep the politicians, judges, and radical extremists out of it. Abortions are deeply personal medical decisions that should be between someone who is pregnant and their doctor.

Earlier this month, I asked you to sign a petition in support of mifepristone. Mifepristone is a safe, effective drug used for medication abortions — making up nearly half of all abortions in the United States — but it is coming into question before the Supreme Court this year.

Abortion is health care, and people have the right to make their own decisions without government interference. This should not be political whatsoever, and a strong majority of the American people agree.

As long as I have the privilege of serving the people of Northwest Washington in Congress, I will stand for the right to safe and legal abortions.

More soon,

Rick