President Bush Bans Abortion Procedures
Synopsis: President Bush has signed the first ever law criminalizing safe abortion procedures.
Statement of Melissa Kogut, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts
Today, President Bush has signed the first ever law criminalizing safe abortion procedures. In doing so, he fulfills his promise to the far right and becomes the first president since Roe v. Wade to re-criminalize abortion.
President Bush is out of step with the majority of Americans who support a woman’s constitutional right to safe and legal abortion. A solid majority of Americans oppose these bans. According to a recent ABC News poll, 61% of Americans oppose a ban on procedures without a health exception.
This law is dangerous for women. There is not even an exception to protect a woman’s health. This means doctors could go to jail for using medically sound procedures necessary to protect patients’ health or future fertility. The law is so broad that it would criminalize many common and safe abortion procedures used as early as the 12th week of pregnancy. Doctors may simply choose not to provide abortions for fear of criminal penalties.
During the eight years since this bill was introduced, its proponents have plainly stated that it brings them one step closer to their ultimate goal – eliminating the right to choose entirely. The signing of this bill by the President signals a major turning point in the long fight to protect reproductive freedom.
Unfortunately, too many people do not believe their reproductive freedom is threatened. That is why we have already begun to mobilize for the pro-choice march in Washington on April 25, 2004. And that is why we will bring the largest delegation ever from Massachusetts to march for our civil rights in Washington DC on April 25th.
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