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Balter calls out Perez Williams for attending 'March for Life' rally

Tom Magnarelli
/
WRVO Public Media
Dana Balter at the Onondaga designating convention.

Designated Democratic candidate for the 24th Congressional District Dana Balter has brought abortion into the conversation as a June Democratic primary looms. Balter is questioning Juanita Perez Williams, her Democratic opponent, on the issue. Perez Williams’ participation in the “March for Life” two years ago, according to published reports, is what Balter is concerned about.

"The express purpose of that event is to outlaw abortion,” Balter said. “They call abortion the single greatest human rights violation of our time. And I don’t understand how somebody who participates in that event can be committed to protecting these rights in a way we need our congressional representatives to."

Balter said if elected, she will always protect a woman’s right to choose, something that she said is under attack in the current political climate.

“Especially in this day and age under Donald Trump’s administration, we need to work extra hard to protect, we’ve seen unprecedented attacks on women’s access to abortion,” Balter said.

Perez Williams, in a statement from her campaign, said she believes, “100-percent in a woman’s right to choose and will always defend and protect that right,” while admitting that her personal belief on the issue of choice has been shaped by life experiences as a Hispanic and Catholic. She also said she would advocate for, and defend organizations like Planned Parenthood. 

Whoever wins the June 26th primary, would be the Democratic opponent of pro-life Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus).

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.