Morris Leader

Parsippany, NJ— Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion and has allowed for the dangerous and sweeping state laws that restrict the bodily autonomy and freedoms of women.

“In the year since the protections provided by Roe v Wade were stripped by the Supreme Court, many of our worst fears came to fruition. The reality we live in today is two in five women of reproductive age nationwide are now subject to dangerous restrictions on abortion access in their state. Forty percent of servicewomen are stationed at military bases in states where they have little to no access to abortion care. On the House Armed Services Committee, we’ve seen attempts to further roll back servicewomen’s rights in the defense budget. We’ve seen Senator Tuberville halting military nominations to try to force the DoD to stop its abortion access policy. The will of extreme anti-abortion state legislators, judges, lawyers, and activists has been carried out across the country, despite the majority of Americans being united behind reproductive rights, and women have paid the price with their freedom, health, and lives as a result. 

“But despite these realities, we’ve fought back, halting legislation and lawsuits that threaten further draconian measures on women’s freedoms. Americans in some of the reddest states in America made their voices heard and blocked restrictive ballot initiatives. This week, I was able to help expand access to and lower the cost of contraceptives for servicewomen. And extremists in Congress have failed to garner the support for their nationwide abortion ban because they know how deeply unpopular their beliefs are. 

“We have much work to do to restore women’s rights in this country. But I will never tire in my commitment to serving my constituents and protecting American freedom.”

Rep. Sherrill is leading on legislation to end the tactic used by anti-abortion activists to manipulate our legal system and hand-pick judges that will rule in their favor. She is a co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act and is constantly working with reproductive health and rights leaders in New Jersey to ensure our state continues to be a model for the nation for reproductive freedom. 

Original source can be found here