NCJW Applauds Introduction of the ''Freedom of Choice Act''
January 22, 2004, Washington DC -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is pleased to support the "Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA)" introduced on the 31st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). NCJW President Marsha Atkind released the following statement:
"NCJW is proud to support the federal Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) -- legislation that will restore and secure a woman's right to choose. This legislation would affirm that it is the policy of the United States that every woman has the fundamental right to decide her reproductive future.
"The legislation addresses the myriad policies that have left women across the country with limited access to safe and early abortions. It would prohibit the government from discriminating against a woman on the basis of her reproductive decisions and would forbid the government from interfering in her right to make those decisions. By invalidating current perilous, onerous and unnecessary restrictions on access to abortion and family planning services, this bill would safeguard women's lives and health.
"Introduction of this landmark legislation is the perfect way to celebrate the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. It would protect and restore the right to reproductive freedom for all women across the country as affirmed by Roe. We urge lawmakers to support the Freedom of Choice Act and thereby demonstrate their commitment to women's fundamental rights and reproductive health."
NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.
Contact:
Sammie Moshenberg
202 296 2588; action@ncjwdc.org