Rep. Barbara Lee Joins Rep. Diana DeGette to Lead Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, today announced that Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) would co-chair the caucus, a coalition of members of the House of Representatives who are working to preserve, protect and advance women's constitutionally-protected reproductive rights.
“Every woman should be able to make her own decisions about reproductive health care with dignity and respect – and without politicians, employers, or anyone else interfering,” Congresswoman DeGette said. “Barbara Lee is a long-time champion of women’s reproductive freedom. She has fought for these rights shoulder-to-shoulder with me, and I am delighted now to partner with her in leading the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus.”
“For decades, the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus has been an unwavering voice for reproductive justice,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Congresswoman Louise Slaughter’s memory and tremendous leadership will continue to be a guiding light in our efforts to defend every woman’s right to choose. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Diana DeGette to build on this legacy and ensure that all women – including low-income women and women of color – can exercise the full range of their reproductive rights without interference from politicians.”
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter of New York was caucus co-chair with DeGette until she passed away in March.
Support for reproductive rights has never been higher, with as many as 7 in 10 Americans consistently saying that access to abortion should be safe and legal. However, these constitutional rights have been under constant attack at both the federal and state level since Republicans took control of all three branches of the federal government and many state legislatures. President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress have worked in tandem to severely limit women's access to reproductive health services through anti-choice legislation, executive orders, deceptive practices and attempt after attempt to recklessly repeal the Affordable Care Act. The Pro-Choice Caucus has fought tirelessly to protect these rights, and will continue to battle against harmful anti-choice proposals.
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