Democratic Women’s Caucus, Pro-Choice Caucus, Whip Clark Highlight Reproductive Freedom at State of the Union
***WATCH A LIVESTREAM OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE***
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus (PCC), the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC), and Whip Katherine Clark held a press conference on their ongoing fight for reproductive freedom, highlighting the stories of patients, providers, and advocates attending the State of the Union address.
The press conference featured remarks from Members and several of their State of the Union guests. Specifically, Whip Clark highlighted her guest, Amanda Zurawski, the lead plaintiff in Zurawski v. State of Texas who was denied abortion care until she became septic. Congresswoman Judy Chu highlighted her guest, Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an abortion provider in Indiana who was targeted by Republicans for providing care to a 10-year old survivor of rape. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty highlighted her guest, Brittany Watts, an Ohio woman charged with a felony after experiencing a miscarriage. Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher highlighted her guest, Dr. Damla Karsan, a Texas abortion provider who was Kate Cox’s doctor.
“As Co-Chair of the Pro Choice Caucus, I am so proud that over two dozen Members of Congress brought State of the Union guests who highlight the human impact of the GOP’s extreme policies on reproductive care. Thank you for using your platform on this important day to draw attention to the critical issue of reproductive justice and welcoming the President to the Capitol with these esteemed Americans. Together, we will continue to fight for full reproductive freedom for all Americans,” said Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12), Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chair.
"The Democratic Women's Caucus is so grateful to have a President in Joe Biden, unlike Donald Trump, who champions reproductive freedom," said Representative Lois Frankel (FL-22), Democratic Women's Caucus Chair. "We look forward to President Biden delivering his most important address of the year, committed to the proposition that we all believe: that women must have access to the care they need to control their own lives and futures.”
“I am so proud to be joined by Amanda Zurawski and the patriots who have traveled to our nation’s Capitol to stand up for reproductive freedom — the doctors who are being threatened with prison, the patients brought to the brink of death because of abortion bans, and the hopeful moms now being denied the chance to start a family through IVF. House Democrats look forward to hearing from President Biden tonight as he underscores his commitment to reproductive freedom for every woman in America and fighting back against the MAGA march toward a national abortion ban,” said Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05).
“The law in Texas nearly cost me my life, and if we don’t stop the assault on women this November, they won’t be safe in any state. And neither will we. Women must be able to make decisions for our own bodies and if and when and how we want to create families without politicians getting in the way and trying to control us. We must stop this assault on women before even more of our rights are stripped away,” said Amanda Zurawski.
“I look forward to hearing President Biden chart a path forward on reproductive freedoms tonight. House Democrats stand ready to work with him on a comprehensive solution for restoring and strengthening reproductive rights in America, which includes passing my bill, the Women’s Health Protection Act, H.R. 12, into law. This legislation would provide Americans a right to receive, and doctors a right to provide, abortion care—free from state bans and restrictions that impede access,” said Representative Judy Chu (CA-28), Pro-Choice Caucus Task Force Chair.
“As a trained physician, I have dedicated my life to providing the best care that I can for patients who want and need it. This includes if and when they want to start a family. Patients must be able to make these personal and sometimes complicated decisions and doctors must be able to offer this care without interference from powerful people who are motivated by politics or ideology. We need bold, immediate change to protect and expand access to reproductive care, and I look forward to hearing from President Biden about his plans to take this important action for patients and providers,” said Dr. Caitlin Bernard.
“The landscape for reproductive healthcare in a post-Dobbs America is fraught with confusion and chaos,” said Representative Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Democratic Women's Caucus White House Liaison. “Brittany Watts knows this firsthand. Her story sheds light on the stark realities pregnant American women face today.”
“I want my vindication to be as loud as my accusation,” said Ms. Brittany Watts. “I don’t want any other woman to go through this.”
“As a leader at the forefront of the fight for women’s reproductive rights and health in Texas, Dr. Karsan represents the best of our community,” said Representative Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Pro-Choice Caucus Whip. “She has seen firsthand how our state’s draconian laws have put the health and well-being of women and their families at risk and how the criminalization of abortion has affected our OB/GYNs, preventing them from providing the care their patients need and deserve. I am so glad that she will join me at President Biden’s State of the Union address as the President and members of Congress work to restore and protect the health, dignity, and freedom of women and families across our state and our country.”
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