HOUSE Republican Leader John Boehner

So-Called “Freedom of Choice” Act Would Deepen the Tragedy of Roe v. Wade

Today marks the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.  Since that fateful decision was handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, nearly 50 million abortions have been performed.

Each year, hundreds of thousands gather not far from where Barack Obama took the oath of office this past Tuesday to “March for Life” and commemorate the lives ended in abortion since the Court legalized the practice in 1973.  Those who attend, and the millions more who support the pro-life cause, seek to promote a “culture of life” by urging the adoption of policies which will protect all innocent human life.

This year presents a new challenge to life: the so-called “Freedom of Choice Act” (FOCA).  Despite its name, FOCA would deprive Americans of their freedom to enact almost any restraint on abortion at any stage of pregnancy.  It would overturn hundreds of current laws on conscience rights, informed consent, limits on tax-funded abortion, and parental involvement in minors’ abortion decisions.

During the 2008 presidential campaign, then-candidate Obama vowed that signing FOCA would be the “first thing” he would do if he were elected president.

Led by Leader John Boehner (R-OH), a total of 105 House Republican Members of Congress sent a letter to the President urging him to reconsider his support for the Freedom of Choice Act:

You have expressed a desire to be a president for all Americans, and to use your presidency to promote initiatives that bring Americans together, rather than drive them apart.  We recognize it will not always be easy for you to do this.  However, too much is at stake for this divisive and destructive legislation to move forward and life-saving laws to be rolled back.  We respectfully urge you to withdraw your pledge to sign FOCA, and that you pledge not to sign legislation that incrementally enacts FOCA by rescinding existing pro-life laws and legal protections.

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