Forty-one years later, President Obama praised the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, urging supporters to “recommit” themselves to the “guiding principle” that women have a right to abortion. “Because this is a country where everyone deserves the same freedom and opportunities to fulfill their dreams,” he said. The statement:
Today, as we reflect on the 41st anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, we recommit ourselves to the decision’s guiding principle: that every woman should be able to make her own choices about her body and her health. We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to protecting a woman’s access to safe, affordable health care and her constitutional right to privacy, including the right to reproductive freedom. And we resolve to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, support maternal and child health, and continue to build safe and healthy communities for all our children. Because this is a country where everyone deserves the same freedom and opportunities to fulfill their dreams.