Why judges matter: The best-known example turns 40

Alliance for Justice President Nan Aron issued the following statement marking the upcoming 40^th Anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade:

Photo: Planned Parenthood Action Fund/womenarewatching.org

Tuesday’s anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade drives home the importance of the Supreme Court in our daily lives. A change of one vote on the Court in the wrong direction could set back set back advances made by women.  A change of one vote the right way can solidify the gains of the past four decades.

But after the anniversary, the urgency tends to fade.  We forget how important the Supreme Court is to our lives in so many other ways.  This year, for example, Supreme Court decisions may determine who can get married, who can go to college and even who can vote.

So we need to focus every day on fighting for a progressive judiciary, not only Supreme Court justices, but judges on our lower courts as well.

Sometimes it is, literally, a matter of life and death.

Read our three-part series: Will the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade?

● Part One

● Part Two

● Part Three

And check out our Bolder Advocacy blog for a listing of how nonprofits are commemorating the anniversary.

Urgent: Protect Women's Reproductive Freedom

Yesterday Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced an amendment to the Senate health care bill that is similar to the Stupak-Pitts amendment that was passed by the House.

The Senate is debating the amendment today, and will likely vote later this afternoon. If the Nelson-Hatch amendment passes, the Stupak-Pitts amendment will almost definitely end up in the final health care bill. Passing health care reform in this country shouldn't come at the cost of women's reproductive rights. But that's exactly what will happen if Democrats allow the anti-choice Nelson-Hatch amendment to become law. These amendments make it virtually impossible for insurance companies participating in the new health care system to provide abortion services for women who have their own private insurance plans.

This measure must be defeated. Time is of the essence, call your senators now and urge them to oppose Nelson's amendment and stop it any way they can, including a vote to table it.

Capitol Switchboard - (202) 224-3121

UPDATE: The Senate just voted to table the Nelson amendment. The vote was 54 to 45. Thanks to all of you who took action.