Boxer introduced the bill, arguing that conservatives
in the United States have continuously attempted to undermine
women’s reproductive rights and the 1973 Supreme Court
ruling. The National Organization of Women describes the proposed
legislation as “a landmark piece of legislation designed
to protect women’s civil liberties and prohibit the government
from interfering in the exercise of reproductive rights.”
The act would rearticulate Roe v. Wade by protecting a women’s
right to abortion as a reproductive option. It would also give
women more choices of hospitals or clinics, since public institutions
would not be able to prohibit abortions. Proponents also applaud
efforts to allow poor women access to the procedures by opening
Medicaid funding to them.
There is staunch opposition to this legislation. Only a few
months ago, conservatives and the Bush Administration celebrated
a landmark
victory for the anti-choice agenda. In December 2003, President
Bush signed into law the “partial-birth abortion ban.” In
a written statement, Bush said, “I applaud the Senate for
joining the House in passing the ban on ‘partial-birth
abortion.’ This is very important legislation that will
end the abhorrent practice and continue to build a culture of
life in America.”
Boxer said the passing of the ban represented a “very sad
day for the women of America and a very sad day for the families
of America,” because such a ban is the first of its kind
to make no exception for the health of the mother.
The Freedom of Choice Act would seek to prohibit any interference
with a woman’s right to continue her pregnancy or to end
it. Boxer said that the legislation would replace any other law,
regulation, ban, or ordinance that seeks to “impinge on
women’s rights.”
The outlook for the legislation looks dim. CNN has reported
that this legislation will most likely meet certain death
in committee
and never make it to the Senate or House floor. The American
Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and the National Organization
of Women have all started petition and letter-writing campaigns
to boost support for the bill.
Boxer is optimistic about the bill’s chances. She has gathered
a list of backers that include numerous senators and representatives.
In a written statement on her Web site, Boxer said, “Anti-choice
is anti-women, anti-equality, and it demonstrates a lack of respect
for the intelligence and compassion that women possess. It is
time to write Roe v. Wade into law.” |
