Press Release
02/16/07Third Way Applauds Reintroduction of Ryan-DeLauro Abortion Bill
Washington, DC – Third Way, a group that played a pivotal role in the design of the “Reducing the Need for Abortion and Supporting Parents Act,” hailed today’s reintroduction of the legislation by its principal sponsors, noting that it is the first bill to join together the most effective strategies, regardless of their identification with the pro-choice or pro-life side, to minimize abortions. The initiative reduces abortions through preventing unintended pregnancy and supporting pregnant women through to parenthood.
“There are 1.3 million abortions every year. We can find a way to reduce them without abortion bans or throwing people in jail,” said the Director of Third Way’s Culture Project Rachel Laser. “This bill is a vital step in the process, and we are proud to have been a part of the process.”
The legislation was the culmination of months of behind the scenes work and negotiations between Third Way, pro-life Ohio Representative Tim Ryan, and pro-choice Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro. It was first introduced in September 2006 by a group of House members that also included Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), and Stephanie Herseth (D-SD) [former Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. was also a sponsor in the last Congress].
“Representatives Ryan and DeLauro have shown extraordinary leadership on this issue” said Laser. “In the six months since its initial introduction, this bill has become a rallying point for progressives on both sides of the debate. Now, with Congress controlled by those who reject bans but are seeking common sense, common ground reform, we look forward to working with the sponsors to try to turn this bill into law.”
Third Way’s abortion-related reports and memoranda are at http://third-way.com/issues/show/9.
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Contact: Matt Bennett (202) 775-3768 x212