More than thirty years after Roe v. Wade, the pro-choice movement is still fighting to protect and defend a woman's right to choose. Unlike the other rights we expect as Americans, this is not one we can take for granted. NARAL Pro-Choice America is the only organization with a proven history and expertise to combat an aggressive anti-choice movement intent on taking away our rights and freedoms.



Since Roe access to abortion has become increasingly tenuous. In its 1992 Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey decision, the U.S. Supreme Court sharply reduced its protections. Since that year, anti-choice forces around the nation have accepted Casey's invitation to introduce and enact a cascade of burdensome measures.



Both state and federal governments are restricting reproductive rights including access to contraception, legal abortion and sex education on a widespread scale. Eighty-seven percent of counties in the United States have no abortion provider. Since 1995, states have enacted more than 400 anti-choice measures and Congress has voted 166 times with anti-choice politicians winning all but 32 of those votes. Abortion is becoming less available even though it remains legal With every political trend working against us, the fact is, the need for abortion will never go away until we, as a country, can achieve two of NARAL Pro-Choice America's goals: better access to more effective contraceptive options and better access to other kinds of reproductive health care and information.



NARAL Pro-Choice America works to reduce the need for abortions. Americans need better access to contraception, health care and sex education. But, anti-choice forces are chipping away at a woman's right to choose which results in more unintended pregnancies and more abortions.



That is the challenge. But therein lies the opportunity. As the political and grassroots arm of the pro-choice movement, NARAL Pro-Choice America is mobilizing millions of pro-choice supporters to achieve these goals. Until we attain our goals, it is critical that those who value the freedom and independence we enjoy in this country mobilize to protect a woman's right to choose. For now, that basic American right is seriously at risk.