The 1990s brought a serious erosion of constitutional protection for reproductive rights as opponents of choice became emboldened in both their lawful and unlawful attacks. Again and again, my work reminds me that these assaults disproportionately target adolescents, poor women, and women of color. Even New York, which has traditionally been looked to as a safe haven for reproductive rights, has endured devastating losses in recent years. It is in our state that Dr. Barnett Slepian, an abortion provider, was shot in his own home. It is in our state that the RRP had to step in simply to ensure that Barbara Gaddy, a pre-trial detainee in the Jefferson County Jail, was able to exercise her basic right to obtain an abortion.
Reproductive rights are central to our liberty and equality.
As these examples illustrate, the fight to preserve and expand them requires constant vigilance. I would like to thank our friends and colleagues for enabling the Reproductive Rights Project to serve as a leader on the legal field of this battle. Now, I am proud to share with you the victories you have helped us win over the last two years.