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Why Democratic congresswomen are wearing white to the State of Union

By
Social Links for Victor Nava
Published March 7, 2024
Updated March 7, 2024, 9:37 p.m. ET

Dozens of Democratic congresswomen donned white outfits to President Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday to raise attention for “women’s rights,” including access to abortions and in vitro fertilization. 

Members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Pro-Choice Caucus organized the collaborative wearing of white after several states moved to outlaw abortion in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, and, more recently, the Alabama high court’s decision last month to rule that frozen embryos have the rights of children, threatening access to IVF in the state. 

“As the hours count down to President Biden’s State of the Union, I’ve joined my @DemWomenCaucus colleagues in all white to symbolize our joint commitment to women’s rights,” Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) wrote on X. 

Women members of the House of Representatives, pose for photos before President Joe Biden arrives to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington
Women members of the House of Representatives, pose for photos before President Joe Biden arrives to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, at the Capitol in Washington. AP

“We will never stop advocating for women, from reproductive rights to workplace equality,” she added. 

Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), who is also participating in the display, took aim at Trump-supporting Republicans in explaining her State of the Union fashion choice. 

Democratic Representatives dress in white to call attention to women's rights on the floor of the House of Representatives in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2024.
Democratic Representatives dress in white to call attention to women’s rights on the floor of the House of Representatives in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

“MAGA Republicans will stop at nothing to control women’s bodies and reproductive health care – and together we must fight back,” she tweeted

Amanda Zurawski, a Texas woman who is suing the state after being denied an abortion despite her unborn child’s fatal condition, will also be wearing white Thursday, as a guest of House Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.). 

“Texas’ abortion ban nearly cost Amanda Zurawski her life,” Clark tweeted.

US President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2024.
US President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

“Now, her ability to start a family is once again under attack by the MAGA effort to criminalize IVF,” she added.

“Thank you, Amanda, for coming to the Capitol to tell your story ahead of the State of Union address.” 

Follow The Post’s coverage of President Biden’s pivotal State of the Union as he faces re-election

Rep. Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) noted that the shade of choice is “suffrage white,” in honor of the early 20th century women’s rights movement.

“We are standing up for your right to make your own health care decisions including abortion,” she tweeted.

Several female lawmakers – as well as Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Fla.) – also wore white in 2019, to former President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.