U.S. Government
All three branches of the federal government can have an impact on choice. The president and his administration can affect policies in several ways. Congress writes laws. The Supreme Court decides whether laws are constitutional.
Take Action
Supreme Court will Hear Case on Abortion Restrictions
The Supreme Court announced that it will take up a once-in-a-generation case on abortion access. Say you'll stand on the side of reproductive freedom as this case heads to the highest court in the land.
NO shutdowns. NO cuts to Planned Parenthood or other vital programs.
Extremist U.S. senators have already started talking about shutting down the government over their crusade to destroy Planned Parenthood. Make sure Congress knows this is unacceptable
Featured Efforts
Fighting discrimination in Washington D.C.
For the first time in 23 years, anti-choice members of Congress, led by Ted Cruz, are trying to overturn two non-discrimination laws passed by the D.C. City Council. Learn More »
Exposing Anti-Choice Crisis Pregnancy Centers
Anti-choice CPCs mislead and manipulate people facing unintended pregnancies. Learn More »
The President
President Obama can do a lot to affect pro-choice policies.
- President Obama picks the people who oversee services important to women's health. He also nominates women and men to serve as judges on federal courts.
- President Obama can use executive orders to change some policies. Just after entering office, he canceled the anti-choice global gag rule.
- President Obama proposes the federal budget. Choice is part of many programs.
- President Obama has the power to sign into law or veto choice-related laws Congress passes.
Learn more about the powers of the president (PDF)
Congress
Congress—the House and Senate—creates laws and spends money on many health programs. The Senate also approves people the president picks to serve as judges or in key government positions. Pro-choice lawmakers are outnumbered in both the House and Senate, and the House and Senate are under anti-choice leadership.
Congressional Record on Choice
Find out how members of Congress voted on choice-related issues in 2014.
Federal Courts
Supreme Court justices and judges on lower federal courts affect women's lives when they rule on choice-related cases. To protect our rights, the president must choose judges who believe in the right to privacy.
News & Updates
Our Take on the Final Budget Deal
"We applaud the leadership of Senators Reid, Murray and Mikulski and thank them, and many of their colleagues, for standing up for women and look forward to the day when our budget has zero riders that restrict reproductive freedom."
NARAL Responds To The Shooting At Planned Parenthood in Colorado
Providing women's health care shouldn't be at personal risk of physical and mental harm. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, law enforcement, first responders, and all the victims in Colorado Springs.
NARAL Pro-Choice America Responds to Supreme Court Taking The Texas Abortion Care
"This case represents the greatest threat to women’s reproductive freedom since the Supreme Court decided Roe vs. Wade over 40 years ago."
