Kerry-Edwards Will Protect a Woman’s Right to Choose

(Washington, DC) – NARAL Pro-Choice America, the nation’s leading advocate for personal privacy and a woman’s right to choose, is elated about Sen. John Kerry’s selection today of John Edwards as his Vice Presidential running mate. Since 1999, Sen. Edwards has cast 20 votes on the right to choose and family planning issues; of that number – all were pro-choice votes. This ticket clearly recognizes the political importance of the pro-choice message – swing and infrequent voters care about keeping government out of their private lives.

Elizabeth Cavendish, Interim President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, said: “The contrast between Kerry-Edwards and Bush-Cheney could not be clearer regarding the protection of women’s rights. We are confident that the Kerry-Edwards Administration will reverse George Bush's limits on family planning services, nominate judges who protect basic liberties, and work to expand access to birth control, responsible sex education and other means of preventing unintended pregnancies. In the midst of celebration, NARAL Pro-Choice America reiterates its intention to do everything in its power to turn out a strong and decisive pro-choice vote on November 2.”

Cavendish continued, “The choice for pro-choice voters is abundantly clear - only Kerry-Edwards can be counted on to protect and defend a woman’s right to choose.”

As the political arm of the pro-choice movement, NARAL Pro-Choice America has launched an aggressive plan to reach targeted voters – particularly younger women in key states. The organization is using a variety of tools, including direct mail, phone calls, email advocacy and grassroots activism, along with a TV advertising campaign that will take advantage of the group’s MCFL legal status. Because of its MCFL status, NARAL Pro-Choice America can run TV ads that expressly advocate the election of John Kerry or defeat of George Bush within 60 days of the election. NARAL Pro-Choice America has also established a special campaign web site at www.BushvChoice.com.

Contact:
Ted Miller, 202.973.3032