My name is Gary Dougherty and I am the State Legislative
Director of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio, the public policy arm of the
three Planned Parenthood affiliates providing reproductive and preventive
health care to women, men, and teens throughout the state.
First of all, I want to thank Senator Tavares and
Representative Antonio for introducing these resolutions recognizing this week
as Reproductive Rights Awareness Week.
This past Sunday marked the
39th anniversary of the Roe v.
Wade Supreme Court decision. This
landmark ruling guaranteed that the right to privacy in the U.S. Constitution
protects the right of a woman to choose whether to continue a pregnancy or to have
a safe and legal abortion.
Unfortunately, here in Ohio, we are
coming off a year during which an unprecedented number of bills that can only
be described as anti-women’s health have been introduced and enacted into law.
Be assured, we are watching – women
and men – and we are drawing a line in the sand to say enough is
enough.
The truth is, no matter what they call themselves
or where they align politically, a majority of
Americans respect the decision each woman must make about her own pregnancy and
oppose efforts to overturn Roe. That hasn’t changed in the last four decades.
I am proud to represent Planned
Parenthood here today as we support the recognition of this as Reproductive
Rights Awareness Week. For eight decades, Planned Parenthood
has provided Ohioans with access to quality, preventive reproductive health
services and education to prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted
infections. In fact, one in five women
have turned to Planned Parenthood at some time in their lives for professional,
non-judgmental and confidential health care.
In these tough economic times, more Ohio women
than ever need access to essential health care services.
Planned Parenthood is proud to stand with Senator
Tavares and Representative Antonio and others here today to support
Reproductive Rights Awareness Week and the public awareness, conversation, and
support for reproductive rights and justice that it will encourage.
Download a .pdf of this statement.
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