On 36th Anniversary, Obama Praises Roe v. Wade Precedent

By Michael Falcone
New York Times Blog

President Barack Obama reaffirmed his commitment to protecting abortion rights on Wednesday, the 36th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, and said that it “stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters.”

In a written statement issued on his second full day in office, Mr. Obama acknowledged the deep tensions that have persisted through the decades over abortion.

But, he said, “no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make.”

Mr. Obama’s position has anti-abortion groups worried. The president of National Right to Life, Wanda Franz, predicted that the president would pursue a “radical agenda” and on his watch, the number of abortions would “increase dramatically.”

And on the National Mall, where millions gathered on Tuesday to witness Mr. Obama’s inauguration, tens of thousands held a rally today marking the Roe v. Wade anniversary, followed by a march to the steps of the Supreme Court.

The statement from Mr. Obama today contrasts with the warm greeting abortion opponents received from President George W. Bush on the same day last year. At a reception at the White House on Jan. 22, 2008, Mr. Bush told March for Life participants that he was “proud to be standing with” them.

“I see people with a deep conviction that even the most vulnerable member of the human family is a child of God,” Mr. Bush said at the time. “You’re here because you know that all life deserves to be protected.”

There was also speculation about whether President Obama would use today’s anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision to reverse the so-called “Mexico City policy,” which forbids the flow of federal money to international family planning organizations that provide abortions or related services and counseling.

The policy, which President Ronald Reagan put in place in 1984, was repealed by President Clinton early in his term. President Bush’s reinstated the ban in his first executive order on Jan. 22, 2001. Sphere: Related Content