Women in the Senate Democratic Caucus issued a joint statement marking the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which struck down 50 years of legal precedent establishing a private right to abortion care in America.

The statement was signed by Minority Leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari, Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Sen. London Lamar, Vice Caucus Chair Sen. Charlane Oliver, Sen. Sara Kyle and Sen. Heidi Campbell.

The Women in the Senate Democratic Caucus’ made the following statement:

 “Two years ago, conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices overturned Roe v. Wade, setting the stage for Republican politicians in Tennessee to strip millions of women of their right to reproductive freedom. Now abortion procedures are banned and doctors are criminalized without exception for rape, incest or to protect the health of a woman. This Republican government mandate is forcing women and young girls to travel out of state for basic health care or carry a life-threatening pregnancy to term.

 “Instead of expanding access to birth control and maternal health care, Republicans have restricted abortion medication and out-of-state travel for pregnant teens.

 “None of us ever thought we would live in an America where women have fewer rights than our mothers and grandmothers or that politicians would use the power of government to decide when or if we grow our family.

 “But these two years have underscored our purpose, and our Democratic caucus is more determined than ever to restore this basic freedom to every woman in Tennessee. Women’s lives are at risk and we will not waver until our daughters have the same basic freedoms as our sons.”