Esty Opposes Extreme Anti-Choice Legislation

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) voted against H.R. 1797, extreme anti-choice legislation that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks.

"It's offensive and, frankly, sad that House GOP leaders are once again debating one of our most fundamental rights as women," Esty said. "This legislation is a direct challenge to our reproductive rights. It's contemptuous towards women's health. And, it is a tremendous waste of time when we have serious work to do.

"Instead of wasting time debating our reproductive rights, already decided 40 years ago in Roe v. Wade, we should be focusing on the issues that matter to folks in Connecticut and across the country. That means looking at real solutions to boost job creation. That means preparing our young people to be competitive in a world economy. That means allowing a debate and a vote on commonsense reforms to reduce and prevent gun violence including enhanced background checks -- a reform supported by more than 90% of the American people.

"I'm proud to be a strong supporter of women's rights, and I will always stand up to attempts to turn back the clock on our reproductive rights and our health. But there's no reason we should be having this debate again in 2013. We face real challenges, and we need to get to work for the American people."

H.R. 1797 is strongly opposed by leading American medical groups including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Congresswoman Esty has a life-long record of advocating for women's rights and women's health, beginning in college when she first volunteered with Planned Parenthood. As an attorney, Esty co-wrote legal briefs defending women's reproductive rights in key Supreme Court cases.

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