NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon Organizes Choice Celebrations
Over 1,000 Pro-Choice Supporters gather in 30 homes across the state of Oregon
Portland,OR - Thousands of pro-choice Oregonians will gather in 11 counties throughout Oregon this Wednesday to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Frustrated by the current administration in Washington D.C. and the growing number of anti-choice legislators in Oregon, pro-choice Oregonians are mobilizing to protect the right to choose.
"The threats against the freedom to choose are greater than ever before. We are facing what could be the most pivotal time in NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon's history," stated Caroline Fitchett, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. "At the federal level we are confronted by an anti-choice Congress and White House, Roe hangs by a razor thin majority in the Supreme Court. Here in Oregon, we have more pieces of anti-choice legislation than ever before and in 2004 pro-choice forces will likely face statewide and countywide ballot measures that will infringe on a woman's right to choose. These house parties will ensure that pro-choice Oregonians from around the state are organized to meet these threats."
Choice Celebrations will mobilize a strong base of pro-choice Oregonians to take action to protect the freedom to choose. Choice Celebration hosts have adopted numerous tactics to underscore their commitment to reproductive rights. Some hosts will be having multiple desserts to choose from to emphasize the importance of choice, while others will feature an auction and a large community party. At these parties attendees will be taking action by signing petitions urging passage of the Freedom of Choice Act to restore the rights of Roe at the federal level, contacting their state legislators about current legislation, and signing up on the Choice Action Network of email alerts.
April 30th has not only mobilized activists but also has activated the support of several elected officials. Governor Ted Kulongoski, First Lady Mary Oberst, Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, State Senator Kate Brown, House Minority Leader Deborah Kafoury, Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner, and other state elected officials will all be attending varying parties around the states.
Choice Celebrations is NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon's first major effort in launching a mobilization campaign to protect the freedom to choose. Nationally, 140 Choice Celebrations are planned in 40 different states. In addition to all the pro-choice Oregon elected officials, all 6 Democratic Presidential hopefuls will be attending Choice Celebrations around the country.
If you are interested in attending a party or hosting your own please contact Tess Fields, Field Director at 503.223.4510 ext. 12.
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