National Defeat for Reproductive Choice; Historic Pro-Choice Wins in State House
Synopsis: Announcement of Pro-Choice House in Massachusetts following the 2004 Elections.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2004
National Defeat for Reproductive Choice; Historic Pro-Choice Wins in State House
Boston, MA – On behalf of its 20,000 members statewide, NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, the Commonwealth’s leading advocate for women’s rights to privacy and reproductive choice, today called the re-election of George W. Bush a major defeat for women’s reproductive freedom and vowed to keep up the fight to protect the right to choose. While lamenting the defeat of John F. Kerry, advocates for reproductive freedom also celebrated unprecedented pro-choice gains in the State House of Representatives resulting in a majority of seats held by pro-choice representatives for the first time in the Massachusetts history.
“On November 2, our nation suffered a major set-back for women’s rights to reproductive freedom and choice,” said Melissa Kogut, Executive Director. “In his second term, George W. Bush is likely to do far-reaching damage to the rights to privacy and choice that will leave a legacy for generations to come.
“Amid this national defeat, we also celebrate significant gains for reproductive choice here in the Commonwealth. With the addition of at least three pro-choice representatives, including Cleon Turner (D-Dennis), Denis Guyer (D-Dalton) and John Keenan (D-Salem), the women and families of Massachusetts will have the protection of a pro-choice House for the very first time. Despite unprecedented sums spent to defeat pro-choice incumbents, Massachusetts voters have demonstrated their commitment to freedom of choice.”
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts mobilized numerous volunteers to work directly on the campaigns of pro-choice incumbents including Rep. Matthew Patrick (D-Falmouth). Hundreds of phone calls were generated to identify pro-choice voters in this district. Identified supporters across the state were also contacted by phone and e-mail with pro-choice messages and get out the vote phone calls.
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts has also spent resources in support of Rep. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) who was victorious in the 2nd Middlesex & Norfolk State Senate district. Rep. Spilka has been a powerful advocate for reproductive freedom and defeated James Coffey of Hopkinton who has not taken a public position on a woman’s right to choose.
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts’ complete analysis of state legislative election returns and pro-choice gains can be found at www.ProChoiceMass.org.
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