Thirty-two years ago, the Supreme Court recognized a woman’s right to choose in the landmark ruling Roe v. Wade. Since that time, that right has been under constant attack by anti-choice forces in the states and in the federal government. Today, Senator Sam Brownback is holding a Judiciary subcommittee hearing to discuss the consequences of Roe.

Nancy Northup, President of the Center for Reproductive Rights, issued this statement in response:

"Today’s hearing is another attempt by anti-choice lawmakers to undermine reproductive rights. The benefits of the landmark ruling Roe v. Wade could not be more evident. Without it, millions of women across the country would be even more susceptible to a movement determined to prevent women from deciding if, when, and how often they become pregnant.

"According to the Center for Reproductive Rights’ study What If Roe Fell?, if Roe were overturned today, within a year’s time, almost 35 million women in their childbearing years would likely lose their right to choose. State governments would be given free rein to interfere in a woman’s personal medical decisions. Left with no better options, women and teenagers would desperately turn to unsafe methods to terminate their pregnancies. Before Roe, as many as 5,000 to 10,000 women died a year following illegal abortions.

"Roe v. Wade recognizes that the right to childbearing choices is central to a woman’s life and her ability to participate fully and equally in society."

Read the Center's Testimony (PDF)

Learn more about the Center's work to defend Roe v.Wade.