New State-by-State Report Shows 2006 a Pivotal Year in Debate on Choice

Washington, DC—NARAL Pro-Choice America today released the 16th annual Who Decides? The Status of Women's Reproductive Rights in the United States, the nation's most comprehensive report with analysis and tracking of choice-related legislation. This report comes as Americans commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion nationwide.

In 2006, voters called for a change in congressional leadership — electing 23 new pro-choice representatives and three new pro-choice senators. At the state level, South Dakota voters rejected the first abortion ban, and California and Oregon voters rejected dangerous and deceptive anti-choice ballot measures.

These electoral gains came amid setbacks in the courts, after the U.S. Senate confirmed anti-choice Samuel Alito to fill a key vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court. Days after Alito's confirmation, the Court agreed to hear arguments in a case that could have significant ramifications for Roe v. Wade's protections.

"Events in 2006 have altered the future political landscape for choice. On November 7, Americans reaffirmed their commitment to a woman's right to choose by electing pro-choice candidates and defeating anti-choice ballot measures across the country," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. "While we celebrate our win in South Dakota, and many other victories in Congress and the states, this report is a reminder there is still much progress to be made. One election cycle cannot change everything, but pro-choice Americans showed that, by working together and acting on our values, we can lay the foundation for a future in which privacy and freedom are protected."

The report grades each state and the District of Columbia on women's reproductive rights and summarizes related state laws. This year's edition introduces a new section on federal legislation, along with the year in review, and new political findings, that include the following:

• The number of states with fully anti-choice governments decreased from 19 to 14.
• States considered 470 pro-choice measures in 2006; 187 of these were Prevention First measures.
• Every state with a regular legislative session considered pro-choice legislation in 2006, except for the District of Columbia, Idaho, and Mississippi.
• States considered 650 anti-choice measures in 2006, a six-percent increase from 2005.
• 17 states enacted 45 anti-choice measures in 2006, a 22-percent decrease from 2005.
• Every state with a regular legislative session considered anti-choice legislation in 2006, except for Connecticut and the District of Columbia.
• 13 states received grades of A+, A, or A-; four states received grades of B+, B, or B-; six states received grades of C+, C, or C-; nine states received grades of D+, D-, or D; and 19 states received a failing grade of F.

The report is made available through NARAL Pro-Choice America. The report and additional up-to-the minute information can be found at www.ProChoiceAmerica.org/whodecides.

Audio commentary on the report can be found at /assets/files/roe_who_decides_podcast_01192007.mp3.

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032