Today marks the 34th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark Roe vs. Wade decision that affirmed the basic human right of reproductive freedom in the United States. That's 34 years of fewer health consequences, happier families and women having control over their own bodies. Reason indeed for celebration.

Today also marks the sixth anniversary of the reinstatement of the Global Gag Rule, which bans international reproductive health providers from receiving U.S. dollars if they even so much as think about abortion. How many lives have been lost because of this archaic and draconian Reagan-era rule? Too many to count.

I strongly recommend you read MissLaura's post on DailyKos about today's anniversary. It's long and full of linky goodness.

I'm too young to remember a time pre-Roe, but I know as well as anyone who does remember those times that we're only a slippery slope away from having that most essential of human rights - the right to choose when and how often to procreate - torn from our society.

I should note that neither of Tucson's dailies ran any stories today about the Roe anniversary (or the gag rule anniversary, for that matter). You can write letters to the Star and the Citizen and remind them why the right to reproductive freedom is an essential part of our democracy. Here are some excellent talking points to help you get started.

Labels: choice, human rights, reproductive freedom, Roe, women's rights