Abortion spokeswoman Kate Michelman sent out a fundraising letter for Edwards:
Dear Friend,
My name is Kate Michelman. I was president of NARAL Pro-Choice America for nearly 20 years. I’ve dedicated my adult life to advancing women’s dignity, freedom and equality. Today, I’m angry and alarmed about the future. And I’m ready to fight.
Yesterday, a closely divided Supreme Court voted to allow Congress and state legislators to ban a specific abortion procedure—even if the health of the woman is at grave risk and even if her doctor thinks this procedure is the best one for her particular situation. It is nothing less than the greatest blow to a woman’s right to reproductive freedom since that right was first guaranteed more than 30 years ago.
In yesterday’s opinion, three of the justices again argued that ALL decisions guaranteeing reproductive rights are wrong. And remember, the two Supreme Court Justices nearest to retirement are staunch defenders of women’s rights—just imagine if another Republican president is allowed to replace them. You know as well as I do that the right wing won’t stop at a woman’s right to decide. They’ve painted a bulls eye on a broad range of privacy rights, civil liberties and other basic rights that we take for granted.
This is one of the most important reasons all of us—but especially women—must be fiercely committed to electing a Democratic president in 2008 who will protect and defend our rights. And that is why I am so strongly committed to electing John Edwards.
I believe that out of all the candidates, John has the strongest commitment to the issues that matter most in women’s lives. I know he is the most effective national messenger for the values we share and I have complete confidence that—with our help—he can win the White House…..