1992 Seems Like Yesterday

Andrea Miller is the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts.

A lot has changed since 1992 when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Roe v. Wade in its Casey decision. But when I heard the news that Justice David Souter plans to retire, 1992 seemed like only yesterday.

It all came rushing back to me. Sitting in that majestic and hushed Supreme Court chamber, waiting for the Justices to rule on the first historic abortion case that I was privileged to work on. Keeping my fingers crossed, fearing the worst.

After all, everyone had "done the math." Everyone agreed that Roe v. Wade hung in the balance - and that we didn't "have the votes." But Justice Souter surprised us that day, joining in the opinion penned by now-retired Justice Sandra Day O'Connor that recognized the critical role that safe, legal abortion has played in changing - and saving - women's lives. In soft tones and bold language, they stood behind precedent and upheld the core values of privacy and personal liberty.

Those words still ring in my head: "The ability of women to participate equally in the economic and social life of the Nation has been facilitated by their ability to control their reproductive lives."

Those words still ring true seventeen years later, when another "entire generation has come of age free to assume Roe's concept of liberty in defining the capacity of women to act in society, and to make reproductive decisions."

I've felt both nostalgia and trepidation as I imagine what the next few weeks and months will bring. Our new pro-choice President will be called upon to make one of the most momentous decisions of his young presidency. And anti-choice extremists - frustrated that they no longer have a friend in the White House - will gear up and try to tear down any nominee who would respect precedent and protect the right to privacy.

But the pro-choice majority here in Massachusetts and across the nation sent a powerful message last November. And I know that we can send another powerful message to Washington again in support of a Supreme Court nominee who will safeguard privacy and the right to choose.

Thank you for being such a tremendous partner in our efforts to protect privacy and respect women's choices. I look forward to working together in the weeks and months ahead to promote these shared values.