NARAL Pro-Choice Washington response to Justice John Paul Stevens’ Retirement
In response to the announcement of Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens’ retirement this summer, NARAL Pro-Choice Washington lauds his outstanding public service and calls on President Obama to select a nominee who values the right to privacy and women’s health. “Justice Stevens is among the strongest supporters of a woman’s right to choose currently sitting on the Court. His retirement underscores the important role that the Supreme Court plays in the lives of everyday women and families,” said Lauren Simonds, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. “Justice Stevens consistently voted in favor of personal liberties as outlined in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision and in strong opposition to government interference in our most personal, private decisions. We are looking to President Obama to select a fair-minded nominee who shares Justice Stevens’ respect for the right to privacy.” “President Obama’s nominee will affect the future of Roe. It is imperative that President Obama select a nominee who firmly and unwaveringly supports the right to privacy and a woman's right to choose. To do anything less would jeopardize the health, welfare and lives of American women.” “We are looking to the President to select such a nominee – as is America’s pro-choice majority,” Ms. Simonds added. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington will activate a network of over 20,000 members who will conduct petition drives, contact their lawmakers, and educate community members on the significance of a Supreme Court vacancy and the need for a justice who respects this country’s long tradition of personal freedom. They will urge President Obama to nominate a justice with an established record in support of the right to privacy. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the leading grassroots pro-choice advocacy organization in Washington State. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington works to protect every woman’s right to access the full range of reproductive health options, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. NARAL Pro-Choice Washington is the state affiliate of NARAL Pro-Choice America. ###
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