Leading Health Organization Joins National Effort to Recognize 29th Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade

1/22/2002

From: Sean C. Prichard of ARHP, 202-466-3825; e-mail: sprichard@arhp.org;

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 -- The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), an education association for physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health care providers in the United States and abroad, joins the National Abortion Rights and Action League, Planned Parenthood(r) Federation of America, The National Abortion Federation, and many other national and international health care advocacy organizations in support of Roe vs. Wade.

"Roe v. Wade is a landmark decision which has saved women's lives for 29 years," says Wayne C. Shields, ARHP president and CEO. "With the current political environment it is more important than ever for women's health advocates to mobilize and stay informed to protect reproductive freedom."

On Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in Roe vs. Wade that the constitutionally guaranteed right to privacy "is broad enough to encompass a woman's decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy." Before the ruling, an estimated 1.2 million American women had dangerous illegal abortions causing at least 5,000 deaths every year. Since Roe vs. Wade, numerous states have passed laws that restrict legal and safe abortion and a narrow 5-4 majority upheld a women's right to choose a recent abortion case heard by the Supreme Court. President Bush is expected to appoint at least one new Supreme Court Justice during his term as President. Worldwide almost 80,000 women die each year after receiving an illegal abortion.

ARHP is multidisciplinary association composed of professionals who provide reproductive health services or education, conduct reproductive health research, or influence reproductive health policy. ARHP, founded in 1963, has a mission to educate health care professionals, public policy makers, and the public. The organization fosters research and advocacy to promote reproductive health. Web site: http://www.arhp.org.