Released on March 9, 2023

Statement by National NOW President Christian F. Nunes 

WASHINGTON–In the eight months since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, one in three women have lost access to abortion care, and over 17 million can no longer access all the reproductive health care they need.  States are rushing to pass more bans and restrictions on abortions, as well as laws that would send women to jail for taking care of their health. 

Senate Democrats know that attacks on reproductive rights are growing crisis that must be stopped—NOW.  That’s why NOW members are excited to support the reintroduction of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify the right to abortion care at the national level. 

Women need to know that no matter your zip code, or who’s in control of your state legislature, your bodily autonomy will be respected—and protected. 

Extremist politicians say they’re protecting women’s health, but it’s really about holding on to their own power over women’s lives.  And once again, the lives that are most at risk are those already dealing with the worst inequity. States with the most restrictive abortion bans have some of the highest rates of Black maternal death—as much as 38% greater than in states without abortion restrictions. 

Women’s lives are at stake.  The Senate must pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. 

Contact: Press Team, press@now.org,

Released on February 7, 2023

Statement of National NOW President Christian F. Nunes 

WASHINGTON, DC–President Biden’s State of the Union address set an optimistic tone, full of progress and possibility.  He spoke of restoring the soul of the nation, which includes ensuring that women can make their own decisions about their reproductive health. 

NOW members know that Joe Biden is right, and we appreciate the Biden-Harris administration’s focus on protecting access to abortion, including medical abortions.   

Dr. Jill Biden invited Amanda Zurawaski, who nearly died after being denied a medical intervention because Texas’ abortion law, to join her in the presidential viewing box.  And members of Congress brought abortion providers and women who were made to travel across state lines and pay thousands of dollars to receive abortion care as their guests. 

It was uplifting to see the level of commitment on display at the speech, and we know that the work to achieve a truly intersectional feminist state of the union continues.  President Biden delivered a State of the Union address with goals that covered a lot of important ground—but we have to gain every inch of that progress through our own activism and commitment. 

President Biden wants to lead a government that has our back—that sees those who’ve been unseen, marginalized and left behind, and we thank him for uplifting those who are usually forgotten. NOW members understand that fight very well. Like President Biden, we are committed to the goals of a feminist state of the union–and we’re not turning back.   

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The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the nation’s leading membership-based advocacy group dedicated to defending women’s rights, advancing equality and combating injustice in all aspects of social, political and economic life. Through educating, mobilizing, and convening a vast network of grassroots activists across the country, NOW advocates for national, state and local policies that promote an anti-racist and intersectional feminist agenda. Since its founding in 1966, NOW has been on the frontlines of nearly every major advancement for women’s rights and continues to champion progressive values today. More about NOW’s efforts and resources is available at NOW.org. 

Contact: Press Team, press@now.org,