[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E55]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE v. WADE

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                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 22, 2008

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 35th 
Anniversary of the Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. Since 1973, 
women in this country have exercised choice over their health and the 
future of their lives. Celebration of this landmark decision is a 
celebration of America's commitment to uphold freedom and liberty for 
all.
  According to the National Abortion Federation, abortion was actually 
legal, common, and publicly advertised until the mid 1880s. When 
abortions became illegal, many women died or suffered serious medical 
problems after attempting to self-induce their abortions or by going to 
untrained practitioners who performed abortions with primitive methods 
or in unsanitary conditions. Prior to this 1973 decision, women with 
economic means were able to access medical assistance, (however 
illegal) while poor women in desperation were forced to subject 
themselves to back-alley abortions and the subsequent consequences to 
health, dignity, and privacy. According to the advocacy group Human 
Rights Watch, approximately 13 percent of maternal deaths worldwide 
today are attributable to unsafe abortion--between 68,000 and 78,000 
deaths annually.
  Equitable access to safe abortion services is first and foremost a 
human right. It has been accurately stated, ``Where abortion is safe 
and legal, no one is forced to have one''--Human Rights Watch. Having a 
choice and access to a safe abortion is an enormous concern, estimated 
to affect one in three American women by the age of 45--National 
Abortion Federation.
  In many countries, the denial of reproductive choices makes women 
succumb to second rate citizenship, further perpetuating the 
feminization of poverty. Where women are able to exercise choice, they 
are in control of their opportunities without intrusion by their 
government. Any restriction on such a choice offends fundamental 
liberties.
  The social, economic and physical consequences of denying women 
choice are devastating. Because of our global position as a model of 
democracy and freedom, it is imperative that we stand to acknowledge 
this decision of the Supreme Court that affirms women's jurisdiction 
over their bodies and extends the message that the United States is a 
country which affirms reproductive choice. May we forever remain a 
Nation that does not corner its citizens, but rather respects their 
capacity to make decisions over their health and future pursuits.

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