Congresswoman Barbara Lee Issues Statement on Reported Draft Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe v. Wade

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, issued this statement following media reports of a draft Supreme Court decision overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling:

“We all knew the odds, but it is nonetheless shocking to see the Supreme Court move towards overturning 50 years of precedent in a stunning revocation of our right to have an abortion. If accurate, this decision will deal a shattering blow to millions, especially low-income people and women of color. Every individual should have the right to make their own personal health care decisions that impact their lives, health and futures. It is chilling to think this court is unwilling to protect those decades-old constitutional rights.

“But just as important: this is NOT an official ruling. Abortion is still legal. Now more than ever, the U.S. Senate must preemptively codify Roe into federal law by abolishing the filibuster and passing the Women’s Health Protection Act. Lives depend on it.” 

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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. She serves as Co-Chair of the Steering & Policy Committee, former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Chair Emeritus of the Progressive Caucus, Co-Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Health Task Force, and Co-Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus. She also serves as Chair of the Majority Leader’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity. As a member of the House Democratic Leadership, she is the highest ranking Black woman in the U.S. Congress.