[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E67]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           COMMEMORATING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 22, 2008

  Mr. SHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, thirty-five years ago today, the Supreme 
Court guaranteed American women the right to choose abortion in its 
landmark decision Roe v. Wade. In doing so, the Supreme Court brought 
an end to decades of State and Federal laws that outlawed or restricted 
abortions and put reproductive choice back in the hands of women and 
gave them safe, medical options.
  Since that time, however, a concerted and organized campaign aimed at 
diminishing this momentous decision has succeeded in whittling down the 
original intent of the decision and now presents a very serious threat 
to the long-term security of Roe itself.
  I rise today not only to commemorate this important day in American 
history, but also to remind the supporters of Roe v. Wade that it is 
absolutely critical that the pro-choice movement remain united and 
vigilant against all attempts to take away a woman's right to choose. 
As a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, I promise to do my part and 
continue to oppose any attempts in Congress to limit, restrict or deny 
a woman's reproductive rights.
  In conclusion, I believe that it is imperative, not only for women's 
rights, but for women's health as well, that the United States not 
return to an era in which the government gets to decide what a woman 
can and cannot do with her own body.

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