Today, Kate Michelman, the former President of NARAL Pro-Choice America and a leading John Edwards supporter, reached out to Edwards’ supporters across the nation in response to the ruling handed down by the Supreme Court on the Federal Abortion Ban.  In an e-mail, she shared her story about why she supports John Edwards, and why America must elect a Democratic president in 2008.  I’d like to share it with you here.  

Kate has spent a lifetime fighting for women, and she articulates, so eloquently, many of the reasons why I too joined this campaign.  Please take a moment to read Kate’s story and then, spend a few extra minutes sharing it with your friends and family.  Our campaign depends, not just on national leaders like Kate, but on people like you — people who take the time to spread the word about why this election is so important, and why supporting John Edwards matters.

My name is Kate Michelman. I was president of NARAL Pro-Choice America for nearly 20 years. I’ve dedicated my adult life to advancing women’s dignity, freedom and equality. Today, I’m angry and alarmed about the future. And I’m ready to fight.

Yesterday, a closely divided Supreme Court voted to allow Congress and state legislators to ban a specific abortion procedure–even if the health of the woman is at grave risk and even if her doctor thinks this procedure is the best one for her particular situation. It is nothing less than the greatest blow to a woman’s right to reproductive freedom since that right was first guaranteed more than 30 years ago.

In yesterday’s opinion, three of the justices again argued that ALL decisions guaranteeing reproductive rights are wrong. And remember, the two Supreme Court Justices nearest to retirement are staunch defenders of women’s rights–just imagine if another Republican president is allowed to replace them. You know as well as I do that the right wing won’t stop at a woman’s right to decide. They’ve painted a bulls eye on a broad range of privacy rights, civil liberties and other basic rights that we take for granted.

This is one of the most important reasons all of us–but especially women–must be fiercely committed to electing a Democratic president in 2008 who will protect and defend our rights. And that is why I am so strongly committed to electing John Edwards.

I believe that out of all the candidates, John has the strongest commitment to the issues that matter most in women’s lives. I know he is the most effective national messenger for the values we share and I have complete confidence that–with our help–he can win the White House.