NOW Rallies at Supreme Court on Roe v. Wade Anniversary,
Vows to Protect Reproductive Rights

January 20, 2006

On Jan. 22 the National Organization for Women will commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which legalized a woman's right to abortion in the United States. At dusk, women's rights supporters will gather for NOW's annual rally and candlelight vigil in front of the Supreme Court.

"This is a critical moment for women and girls in the U.S.," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "Last year at this time we were merely contemplating an open seat on the Supreme Court—since then two key seats have opened up. First the Senate confirmed ultra-conservative John Roberts, George W. Bush's choice for Chief Justice, who will lead the high court for 30 or more years. Now we are on the verge of a Senate vote on Samuel Alito, an even more dangerous nominee because he will take the place of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. How quickly the fate of women's reproductive rights could turn in this nation."

Who:	Kim Gandy, President, National Organization for Women E. Faye Williams, Esq., President, National Congress of Black Women Eleanor Smeal, President, Feminist Majority Foundation Jatrice Martel Gaiter, President, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Terry O'Neill, Executive Director, National Council of Women's Organizations Lorraine Cole, President, Black Women's Health Imperative
What:	Rally and Candelight Vigil for Roe v. Wade Anniversary
When:	Sunday, Jan. 22 5:00 pm
Where:	The Supreme Court, Washington, D.C. First Street, NE, between Maryland and East Capitol Streets

"Will this be our last opportunity to honor the anniversary of Roe? Will women lose their legal right to abortion under a Supreme Court reshaped by George Bush?" asks Gandy. "Women and men all over the country are calling, writing and visiting their senators right now, urging them to filibuster Sam Alito. And on Sunday, reproductive rights supporters will deliver our message at the steps of the Supreme Court: No single vote is worth sacrificing the reproductive freedom, health and lives of an entire generation of women and girls."

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Latoya Veal w. 202-628-8669, ext. 116, c. 301-660-3447

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