Declaring January 22, 2003, Reproductive Choice Day.

WHEREAS, On January 22, 1973, in a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in

Roe v. Wade

, which affirmed that women, not politicians, should make this most personal decision of when or whether to have children; and

WHEREAS, Legal abortion is an essential medical service and key component of women’s health care; and

WHEREAS, thousands of women died or were seriously injured each year from the effects of illegal or self-induced abortion before its legalization; and

WHEREAS, The

U.S. Supreme Court decision

Roe v. Wade

legalized abortion nationwide on January 22, 1973, and recognized safe abortion as critical to the lives, rights, and health of women; and

WHEREAS, Violence against providers and restrictions against abortion endangered the lives of women and men and have continued to erode access to abortion; and

WHEREAS, Safe, legal, and accessible abortion services are still under attack, especially for women of color, women who speak English as a second language or do not speak English at all, poor women, rural women, as well as minor women; and

WHEREAS, Physicians who perform abortions must be able to choose the safest and most appropriate procedure for a particular woman’s health and length of pregnancy without governmental intrusion into a medical decision; and

WHEREAS, The constitutional right to abortion as embodied in

Roe v. Wade

recognizes women’s right to exercise reproductive choice, saves women’s lives, and strengthens families; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia pro-choice community, which includes many outstanding organizations including,

Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania; Greater Philadelphia Women’s Medical Fund; NARAL-PA; National Council of Jewish Women; Philadelphia NOW; Philadelphia Coalition of Labor Union Women; Women’s Law Project; and WOMENS WAY;

continues to work toward fulfilling the promise of

Roe v. Wade

: that every child is a wanted child; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the City Council of Philadelphia declares January 22, 2003, Reproductive Choice Day.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to representatives of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania in recognition of the many events scheduled to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of

Roe v. Wade

.

End