We agree with Mr. Ferrigan (“Abortion rights should not be taken lightly,” ODE, Jan. 26) that the right to a legal and safe abortion is not a right to be taken lightly. The right to reproductive freedom has always been – and always should be – a civil rights issue. The government has no right to infringe upon a woman’s ability to make decisions regarding her physical health and well-being. Planned Parenthood, NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon and UO Students for Choice all celebrated the anniversary of Roe v. Wade last week for one reason: Having access to safe reproductive health alternatives is worth celebrating.
Last Thursday, we did not celebrate abortions, but rather the right to choose a safe and legal abortion in this country. As President Obama stated on the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we can all unite “in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion and support women and families in the choices they make.” No one should take abortion lightly, but celebrating the anniversary of Roe v. Wade is about remembering how recently women have gained their reproductive freedom in the United States.
As the past 36 years have shown us, the fight is far from over. But celebrations of Roe v. Wade are chances to revel in the fact that our society should never again expect women to resort to dangerous back-alley medical procedures.
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