Press Release: Norton to Highlight Unique Risks to Reproductive Rights of D.C. Residents in Oversight Committee Hearing, Thursday

News Release — DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton

September 27, 2022

Contact: Sharon Eliza Nichols

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a Committee on Oversight and Reform hearing on abortion on Thursday, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will highlight how uniquely vulnerable the reproductive rights of District of Columbia residents are because Congress has control over D.C.’s local affairs. Currently, Congress prohibits D.C. from spending its local funds on abortion, even though 16 states use their own funds for this purpose. At the hearing, Norton will warn that a future Republican Congress could ban abortion in D.C.

“For nearly 50 years, the Supreme Court upheld the right to abortion,” Norton said. “But now that Roe has been overturned and D.C. is not yet a state, Congress’ control over D.C. means D.C. residents are particularly vulnerable in a Republican Congress that decides to further limit access to or ban abortion. As I continue to fight for statehood for D.C., I also remain committed to protecting this vital freedom for D.C. residents.”

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