Maria Cantwell: “I rise today to speak on the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Thirty years ago, in 1973, the U.S. Supreme…”

“I rise today to speak on the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Thirty years ago, in 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court held that women have a constitutional right to an abortion. That decision, Roe v. Wade, was carefully crafted to be both balanced and responsible while holding the rights of women in America paramount in reproductive decisions. Roe v. Wade held that women have a constitutional right to an abortion, but after viability, States can ban abortions as long as they allow exceptions when a woman's life or health is endangered. Since then, while the Court has consistently ruled in favor of this right, there is no doubt that this right is being eroded. And today, the thirtieth anniversary of that landmark decision, I especially want to thank those who are continuing to provide safe and legal reproductive health care to the women of our community. In the face of crippling challenges, especially violence and threats of violence, these health care workers have held fast in their commitment to provide the quality health care that all women deserve. Like most Americans, I believe that we must work to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies through education and family planning. But I also believe that our Constitution protects a woman's right to privacy, and that this constitutional right encompasses the decision of whether to terminate a pregnancy.”