Today, Congressman David Trone released a statement in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which will reverse the federal protection of abortion access in the United States, previously established by Roe v. Wade (1973). The full statement is below.
"I'm deeply disappointed and concerned by the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. By revoking a 49-year legal precedent of protecting a woman's right to make her own health care decisions, we are sending the wrong message to Americans about how we value women and their futures.
"History shows that limiting abortion access doesn't prevent abortion from happening, it only prevents safe abortion.
"History shows that limiting abortion access often forces women to resort to unsafe means to end unwanted pregnancies -- including self-inflicted bodily harm and ingestion of dangerous chemicals -- resulting in permanent injury or death.
"History shows that limiting abortion access will sentence millions of women -- the majority of whom are already parents -- to a life of increased economic hardship and reduced opportunity to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.
"There's no doubt that today we took a monumental step backward in the fight for gender equality.
"This decision is beyond the pale, but we won't let it stop us from ensuring that every American has the right to make decisions about their own medical care. Now, we must enshrine access to abortion services into law.
"I won't stop fighting -- count on it."
Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Veterans' Affairs, and Joint Economic Committees. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders, including the mental health and addiction crises, criminal justice reform, and funding for medical research.
Follow Congressman Trone at @RepDavidTrone for updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.