Media Statement - May 3, 2022

The Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club (WDC) condemns the leaked draft Supreme Court opinion striking down the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision. We strongly protest this latest effort to erode women’s rights.  Women deserve autonomy over their bodies. Overturning Roe will undercut women’s health and economic prospects for years to come.

The burden of this horrific proposed decision will fall most heavily on women already facing economic, health, or other challenges. Overturning Roe will increase pregnancy-related deaths by up to 21%, but up to 33% for non-Hispanic Blacks. Women who are denied abortions and give birth have higher rates of poverty four years later and are less likely to be employed full-time and more likely to receive public assistance. 

Sadly, this draft majority opinion also weakens the Supreme Court as an institution. Speaking about the 2021 Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked: “Will this institution survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the Constitution and its reading are just political acts…I don’t see how it is possible.”  Nor does WDC.

“We must support staunchly pro-choice Democrats,” said Laura Stewart, WDC President. WDC urges voters to strengthen our Democracy by electing pro-choice candidates up and down the ballot to stop this assault on our rights. Candidates running for low-profile local races fill the pipeline to Congress and the White House; we must stop anti-choice candidates before they get elected to anything. Our bodily autonomy isn’t a political football to be tossed back and forth. Elections have consequences!

The Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club (WDC) is one of the largest and most active Democratic clubs in Montgomery County with hundreds of politically active women and men, including many elected officials. WDC members work together to elect Democrats, keep voters informed, advocate for state and local issues of importance to women and their families, and educate our community on critical issues.