Statement From Rep. Newman on Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe V. Wade

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C -- Today, U.S. Representative Marie Newman (IL-03) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"The Supreme Court's radical decision to overthrow decades of the legally protected right to an abortion in the United States is barbaric, cruel and a harrowing blow to gender equality. When you take away a woman's right to decide when and under what circumstances to have a child, you take away her agency over her life, body and future.

"When this opinion was first reported last month, I decided it was necessary for me to share the story of my abortion at age 19. As I described to CNN and ELLE, I never intended to discuss my abortion publicly, however, upon reading the Supreme Court's draft decision, I knew that I had to. I am one of the 25% of women in this country who have had an abortion and my story can help show others that abortion is not taboo or shameful -- that it is simply a standard medical procedure.

"If I had not had access to safe, legal abortion when I was 19, I would not be in Congress today. I am heartbroken thinking about the young women in the same position I was 40 years ago who have just lost their freedom to make that same decision. I'm thinking of the women who dream of being doctors, athletes and politicians, who are now unable to exercise agency over their future.

"Once again, I am calling on the Senate to pass the Women's Health Protection Act, and I am again calling on our Senators to stop prioritizing the procedural relic that is the filibuster over protecting our fundamental right to reproductive health care.

"Today's ruling shows just how much the Republican Party has embraced an extremist, far-right minority of the country, instead of the common-sense majority who want to see Roe v. Wade upheld. Whether it is women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights or workers' rights, the GOP is hell-bent on turning back the progress of the past century and is committed to entrenching a social and political hierarchy where white, wealthy, Christian men once again have an unchallenged hold on power. This is not the future the American people want, I can tell you that. I will not sit back and accept this radical attack on human rights, and I know that millions of Americans will join me in protesting, advocating and voting to ensure our government and laws respect everyone's fundamental human dignity."

Source