WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44) issued the following statement in reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturns Roe v. Wade and cruelly invalidates the past 50 years of precedent allowing for safe and legal access to abortion:
“Words cannot describe the heartbreak, despair, and fear millions of women across this country are experiencing following this decision. My worst fears from last month’s leaked draft opinion were realized. The decision blatantly and cruelly disregards the bodily autonomy of women in America, an injustice that will never be a problem for the male Justices who made this ruling.”
“Soon, abortion will be illegal in 16 states post-Roe. This decision will endanger the lives and health of women across the country. Latina, Black, Indigenous, and AAPI women will be disproportionately impacted through a lack of access and availability of reproductive services – and as a result, will almost assuredly have higher rates of health and reproductive complications.”
“We knew this could be a possibility. That’s why last year, the House passed H.R. 3755, the Women’s Health Protection Act, to codify Roe v. Wade into law and protect access to abortion across the country. Sadly, the Senate Republicans obstructed, and the bill did not pass, leaving millions of women at risk.”
“The right to an abortion is a fundamental right, and I believe that we must do whatever it takes to restore this fundamental right, including by expanding the Supreme Court. Every day that goes by before the Senate takes up this critical legislation puts women’s lives in jeopardy.”
“I am angry, I am sad, I am disappointed, but this fight is not over. I will fight like hell until every woman in this country can safely access an abortion if they so choose. The decision to have an abortion is deeply personal and difficult, and the government has no place to interfere with a decision that should be solely between a woman and her healthcare provider.”
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Nanette Diaz Barragán is proud to represent California’s 44th Congressional District, which includes the communities of Carson, Compton, Florence-Firestone, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, Walnut Park, Watts, Willowbrook and Wilmington. She serves as chairwoman of the House Homeland Security Committee’s Subcommittee on Border Security, and on the House Energy and Commerce Health, Energy, and Environment & Climate Change Subcommittees.