Warrensville Heights, OH — Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement today to mark the 41st anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that upheld a woman’s right to privacy and reproductive choice under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution:

“On this date 41 years ago, the Supreme Court recognized the right of women in every state to have control over their bodies and make their own decisions regarding reproductive health. Since that day, women across the nation have challenged oppressive social mores without fear of criminalization. However, after four decades of protection, legal attacks on a woman’s right to choose have intensified in recent years. Reproductive health centers across Ohio and throughout the nation have faced unprecedented attempts to shut their doors even though Roe v. Wade rightfully placed family planning decisions firmly in the lap of the woman and not in the hands of strangers,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

Attempts to severely restrict a woman's right to privacy and power over her own health decisions are reflected in Ohio’s FY2014 budget. The budget relegates family planning centers to the bottom of the list for funding and prevents rape crisis centers from accepting state funds for counseling or referring abortion care. It also requires centers that perform abortions to have a transfer agreement with a local hospital, but prohibits public entities or affiliated doctors from entering into such contracts. The budget also mandates “informed consent,” which requires an additional procedure before an abortion can take place.

“Family planning is a deeply personal decision which should be determined by a woman and her family, not elected officials. I, along with my colleagues Representatives Judy Chu and Louis Frankel, introduced the Women's Health Protection Act in November 2013 to protect a woman's right to a safe and legal abortion by prohibiting restrictive regulations and laws, such as those in Ohio. A woman's right to choose must be respected," said Congresswoman Fudge.

Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal, Barbara Boxer and Tammy Baldwin. This legislation is designed to address laws intended to curtail reproductive health services for women.
 
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