Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade — the landmark Supreme Court decision that confirmed a woman’s constitutional right to consider safe and legal abortion, if and when she needs it, and without interference from politicians.
Many things have changed in the last forty years! When Sarah Weddington, the Texas attorney who argued the winning case in front of the Supreme Court—it was made up of nine male justices. Now, there are three women on the court! So while much has changed, one thing hasn’t: Roe v. Wade remains the law of the land. And a recent poll shows that a majority of Americans (7 in 10) want it to stay that away. Unfortunately, even though support for safe and legal abortion is high, a small but vocal group of politicians are still fighting tooth and nail to take that right away through court battles, ballot measures, and burdensome legislative restrictions.
Whether they are requiring mandatory ultrasounds or 24 hour waiting periods, opponents of women’s health have made it increasingly harder for women to access a safe and legal abortion.
Sarah Weddington joined MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell yesterday to talk about the importance of the 40 year anniversary. Watch the clip below!
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Tags: Roe v. Wade, 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Sarah Weddington
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