Current Reality
The state of reproductive health in America is in a crisis. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 has stripped away nearly 50 years of federal protection for the right to choose, leaving millions of women and birthing people people capable of pregnancy vulnerable to the whims of state legislatures. This devastating ruling has led to an onslaught of abortion bans and restrictions across the country, with many states enacting “trigger laws” that immediately banned or severely restricted abortion access as soon as Roe was overturned.
As of today, nearly half of the states in the U.S. have either banned or are expected to ban abortion, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities, including low-income individuals, people of color, and those living in rural areas. The consequences of these bans are far-reaching, leading to dangerous delays in care, forcing individuals to travel long distances for services, and in some cases, criminalizing those who seek or provide abortion care. This erosion of reproductive rights has created a patchwork of access across the country, where a person’s ability to make decisions about their own body is now determined by their zip code.
In addition to the direct impact on abortion access, these restrictions are part of a broader attack on reproductive health care, including efforts to limit access to contraception, defund family planning services, deny gender-affirming care, and restrict comprehensive sex education. The consequences of these policies are devastating, leading to increased rates of unintended pregnancies, poor maternal health outcomes, and widened health disparities.
I recognize the urgency of this moment and the need to take decisive action to protect and expand reproductive health care for all. The current reality demands bold leadership and a commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of every individual.
Ensuring Comprehensive Reproductive Rights and Access to Care
I believe that reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be protected and accessible to all, regardless of income, race, or geographic location. Reproductive health encompasses a broad range of services, including contraception, abortion, prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, gender-affirming care, and comprehensive sex education. Ensuring access to these services is critical for the health and autonomy of individuals and communities, and it is a key component of a just and equitable society.
Legislative Stances and Support
I am a staunch supporter of reproductive rights and will work tirelessly to protect and expand access to reproductive health care at both the federal and state levels. My legislative priorities include:
- Codifying Roe v. Wade: I support passing the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA) to codify the protections of Roe v. Wade into federal law. This would ensure that the right to access abortion care is protected nationwide, regardless of changes in the Supreme Court or state legislatures. I also support efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment, which restricts the use of federal funds for abortion services, disproportionately affecting low-income women and women of color.
- Expanding Access to Medical Abortion and Telehealth: Access to medical abortion, particularly through the use of mifepristone and misoprostol (mife/miso), is a critical component of reproductive health care. I advocate for protecting and expanding access to these medications, which have been proven safe, effective, and widely used around the world. This includes expanding telehealth coverage for medical abortion, making it more accessible, especially in reproductive health deserts where in-person care is limited. By ensuring that individuals can access medical abortion via telehealth, we can make abortion care safer, more affordable, and more accessible, regardless of geographic location.
- Repealing Comstock Laws: The Comstock Laws, which are century-old federal laws originally intended to ban the distribution of “obscene” materials, are being weaponized by those who wish to restrict or eliminate access to reproductive health care, including medical abortion and contraceptives. I am committed to repealing these outdated laws to prevent them from being used to ban essential health care services. Eliminating the Comstock Laws will protect access to both medical abortion and contraception, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to make their own reproductive health decisions without government interference.
- Protecting IVF and Expanding Insurance Coverage: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a vital reproductive health service for many individuals and families. However, access to IVF is often limited by high costs and lack of insurance coverage. I support efforts to protect access to IVF and to expand insurance coverage for this essential service, potentially through support for the Right to IVF Act. By ensuring that IVF is accessible and affordable, we can help more individuals and families achieve their dreams of parenthood.
- Comprehensive Sex Education: I believe that every young person deserves access to accurate, comprehensive sex education that includes information on consent, healthy relationships, and all aspects of reproductive health. I support the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, which would provide federal funding for sex education programs that are medically accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
- Protecting and Expanding Medicaid: Medicaid is a critical source of reproductive health care for low-income individuals and families. I support expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet done so and increasing federal funding for Medicaid to ensure that it covers a full range of reproductive health services, including abortion care. I also advocate for extending postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to one year, to ensure that new mothers have access to the care they need during this critical period.
- Supporting Maternal Health: The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed countries, with significant racial disparities. I am committed to addressing this crisis by supporting the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, a comprehensive package of bills aimed at improving maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women and other women of color. This legislation would provide funding for community-based organizations that provide culturally competent care, improve data collection on maternal health, and address social determinants of health that contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity.
- Pushing for the Expansion of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Domestic violence is a significant contributor to reproductive health issues, including forced pregnancy, teen pregnancy rates, sexually transmitted diseases, and maternal mortality. I strongly support the expansion of the Violence Against Women Act and its renewal in 2027 to address these critical issues. VAWA provides essential protections and resources for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and its expansion would further strengthen efforts to prevent violence and support survivors. By addressing the link between domestic violence and reproductive health outcomes, we can create safer environments and healthier futures for all.
- Opposing Criminalization of Pregnancy: I strongly oppose the criminalization of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. I will work to ensure that individuals are not punished or prosecuted for seeking abortion care, experiencing miscarriage, or making decisions about their own bodies. I support legislation that protects individuals and health care providers from harassment, intimidation, and violence, and that ensures access to safe and legal reproductive health care.
Building a Healthier, More Just Society
Reproductive justice is not just a women’s issue; it is a community issue that affects everyone. When individuals have access to comprehensive reproductive health care, they are better able to make decisions about their lives, their families, and their futures. This leads to healthier families, stronger communities, and a more just society.
My vision for reproductive justice goes beyond simply protecting existing rights. I am committed to addressing the root causes of health disparities, and ensuring that all individuals have the resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. This includes addressing issues such as food insecurity, housing instability, and lack of access to mental health care, all of which have a profound impact on reproductive health outcomes.
By advocating for policies that promote health equity, I am working to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This includes fighting for economic justice, racial equity, and environmental sustainability, all of which are essential components of a healthy society. Reproductive health is a cornerstone of this vision, and I will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of all individuals, now and in the future.
Conclusion
My commitment to reproductive justice is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the right to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. I will continue to champion policies that protect and expand access to reproductive health care, and that promote health equity and justice for all.
