Leading from the Left

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Anniversary of Roe v Wade

Today marks the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade, the Supreme Court decision which legalized access to abortion nationally.

North Carolina, which was the 2nd state in the nation to legalize abortion in 1967, has been a leader in the South in terms of addressing a woman's right to make her own decisions about her reproductive health without interference from the state.

I think that it's important to note the importance of this day and to recognize that a woman's right to choose is endangered in the US right now. Most observers believe the US Supreme Court now has enough votes to overturn Roe.

Because of this, it's more important than ever that we elect legislators who are committed to protecting choice. To that end, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina's PAC (political action committee) today issued our first round of endorsements for the upcoming election cycle. (NOTE: I recently joined NARAL's PAC board and served as a staff member for a brief time back in the 1980's).

Below is a copy of the endorsement statement issued by NARAL Executive Director Melissa Reed:

"I’m excited to honor the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade today with the release of our first endorsements for the 2008 primary election on May 6, 2008.

NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina PAC endorses State School Superintendent June Atkinson, Representative Angela Bryant (House District 7), Representative Tricia Cotham (House District 100), and Senator Ellie Kinnaird (Senate District 23). These candidates face primary opponents and have a history of supporting NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina and our legislative agenda.

The 2008 elections coincide with the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade, which recognized a right to privacy that includes women’s access to safe, legal abortion. And when it comes to protecting Roe, we know that elections matter. NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina plans to lead the way in building a pro-choice voting block to elect pro-choice leaders who will stand up for women’s freedom and privacy.

NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina is the political leader of the pro-choice movement and will reinforce the importance of the 2008 elections in protecting a women’s right to choose for future generations.

We need pro-choice elected officials who understand what access and privacy mean when it comes to reproductive freedom for women. You can help by making a gift to our PAC today!

With your support, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina PAC will deliver.

We will protect seats held by pro-choice officials,
We will elect more pro-choice leaders,
We will target districts where we can make pro-choice gains, and
We will organize voters on the ground.
And then We All Win, Women Win, and Families Win.

We have a long road ahead and less than eleven months to the finish line!"


If you'd like to support NARAl's important work, please follow this link and make a donation.