The Legislation of Reproductive Rights

Friday, 13 January 2012

Since the historic 1973 Supreme Court’s decision making abortion legal, the anniversary of Roe v Wade does not go unnoticed.

This year, already, several Florida Legislators filed anti-abortion bills, and under-scored by the Republican presidential debates, candidates agreed in their determination to overturn Roe v Wade, and stop making payments to Planned Parenthood.

Reflecting on Roe v Wade from a unique perspective is Attorney Sarah Weddington, who at age 26 argued the case before the Supreme Court, and is believed to be the youngest person to win a Supreme Court Case.

Char Wendel, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood in Collier County, talks about the need to continue providing family planning, cancer screening and other vital health services to low income women.

Also, Florida State Representative Charles Van Zent (R), talks about his bill, HB 1151, that bans abortions, with no exception for rape or incest, except to save the life of the mother. Performing an abortion would be a felony, punishable with life in prison.

How will women respond to having their reproductive rights legislated?