President Obama released a statement today regarding the anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision.
As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue- no matter what our views, we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant woman and mothers, reduce the need for abortion, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams.
Issuing a statement on Roe vs. Wade may seem like a no-brainer, but this is a particular well crafted statement which stresses the need to promote and support the institutions that actually reduce the need for abortions, such as proper reproductive healthcare, rather than focus entirely on abortion itself. Recent data shows abortion rates are actually higher in countries with stricter laws.
Every GOP candidate for president has conveyed their wish to overturn Roe vs. Wade, including the pot-for-everyone-and-no-drones candidate Ron Paul. And if a Republican were to win the election, it's entirely possible that they would be granted their wish because the next president, whether it's President Obama or Mitt Romney, will be nominating future Supreme Court justices.