WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33), and House Democrats to mark the fourth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization which overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Below is a transcript of her remarks:

“Today, House Democrats recommit to the fight for Americans’ basic right to make their own healthcare decisions. Democrats stand with Americans from every walk of life in this fight for reproductive freedom. Not just in blue states, but in every state and every zip code.

“We’re fighting for women like Chelsea Stovall. Chelsea’s from Fayetteville, Arkansas. She grew up in a big conservative, evangelical family. She knew she always wanted a big family of her own. She and her husband were thrilled when they discovered she was pregnant with their third child — a baby girl. Until they went for a checkup and Chelsea’s doctor told her her pregnancy was not viable and posed a risk to her life.

“Because of the Dobbs decision, Chelsea’s doctor had to deny her the healthcare she needed to save her life and be there for her family.

“That meant a six hour drive to Illinois. It meant finding a hotel, finding childcare. It meant spending all their savings. Here’s what Chelsea said after this horrendous ordeal: ‘I wanted three kids, but after going through everything I went through and the laws the way they are, I don’t want to get pregnant again. Once I get pregnant, my life stops mattering.’

“That’s the reality under this administration. That’s the reality under this deadly maternal health crisis. That’s the reality under this regime that endows politicians with more rights than patients or doctors.

“To these extremists, the lives of pregnant women do not matter. And Democrats are fighting back against this ideology. We are fighting to uphold the basic rights of the American people. And we will continue fighting for freedom and for a future worthy of our daughters.

“I am so grateful to be in this fight with my incredible colleagues and to be here with our Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, who is very clear and committed to making sure that reproductive freedom is once again the law of the land.”

The full press conference can be viewed HERE. Photos of the event can be viewed HERE.

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