Roe v. Wade Anniversary: Michelman Endorses Hoeffel

Thirty-seven years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that women have a constitutional right to privacy that includes a legal right to terminate a pregnancy for any reason during her first trimester and in order to protect her health after that.  With a U.S. Supreme Court today where George W. Bush filled the seats of Sandra Day O’Connor and William Rehnquist with  John Roberts and Samuel Alito, the ability of Roe v. Wade to withstand being overturned has never been so much in danger.  If this decision were overturned, abortion-rights would be in the hands of each state.  Pennsylvania is a neither a state that has passed a trigger law that would outlaw abortion if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, nor have we passed a law to ensure that women’s rights are protected.

It is with that background on Roe v. Wade’s anniversary that the Hoeffel Campaign sent out a release announcing that Kate Michelman is endorsing Joe for governor and will head his Women for Hoeffel committee.  Michelman is the former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America.

The full text of Michelman’s endorsement letter is below the fold.

Dear Friends,

As a proud Pennsylvania woman, I want to use the occasion of this anniversary of Roe v. Wade to announce my support for Joe Hoeffel for Governor in 2010.

Roe v. Wade is the landmark Supreme Court decision recognizing a woman’s right to decide matters of pregnancy, childbearing and abortion – in privacy, safety and with dignity.  It is a time to reflect on and remember those who have sacrificed to fight for and protect that fundamental American right.  It is also a time to rededicate ourselves to continuing the fight for women’s lives, health and economic security.

At a time when many in the Democratic Party are retreating from the issues that matter to many of us, I am proud to endorse someone who can be counted on to stand up for what is right — no matter how the temporary political winds might be blowing.  That is especially true on reproductive rights.

Joe Hoeffel is a determined pro-choice leader who understands that the rights of women to make their own reproductive health decisions cannot be traded away. Joe Hoeffel has served Pennsylvania in the State House, in the US Congress, and as a County Commissioner. During my tenure as President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, I saw Joe fight hard for women. He spoke out against passage of Pennsylvania’s restrictive abortion law, he worked for equal pay for equal work, and he is the only candidate for Governor to speak out against the prohibition on abortion coverage in the Health Care Reform bill.

The willingness of National Democratic leaders to secure passage of health reform by prohibiting abortion coverage under private insurance plans represents a significant setback for women, potentially for generations to come.

Joe Hoeffel is the kind of leader who understands that health care legislation at the price of women’s health is regression, not reform.  He’s the kind of leader who can speak to the people of Pennsylvania about these choices in clear and compelling terms.  He is the kind of leader who knows that policies that invest in women — their health, education, skill training and job security — are an investment in the well-being of our nation.  At this moment, in our long journey for women’s liberty, equality and freedom of choice, for which we have fought for so long, Joe Hoeffel is the leader we need.

I hope you will join me today by signing up for Women for Joe Hoeffel.  (Supportive Men are welcome to join as well.)

You can also support the campaign by:

– Joining me at his Campaign Kickoff this Tuesday, January 26, in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, or Philadelphia.

– Making a contribution to the campaign.

It is vitally important that women be actively involved in choosing the Democratic candidate for Governor. Whether you can contribute your time or your money or both, your support will make an important difference.

Sincerely,

Kate Michelman