Today, women’s rights and reproductive freedom are under greater threat than they have been in more than a half-century. The assault on our essential freedoms includes everything from abortion rights, to contraception access, to protections for survivors of domestic violence. Politicians do not belong in the doctor’s office – private medical decisions should be between patients and their medical providers. I have always advocated for a woman’s right to control her own body, make her own decisions regarding her health care, and access equal rights and protections in the workplace. It is more vital now than it has ever been to ensure that members of Congress are committed to protecting and supporting reproductive freedom and women’s rights. Stripping freedom from anyone in our country threatens the rights and liberties of Americans everywhere.

Defending Reproductive Freedom:

● Restore and champion the right to choose. Since the Supreme Court overturned 50 years of protections that existed under Roe v. Wade, far-right politicians and courts have robbed millions of American women of their rights, their dignity, and their freedom. It is imperative that we take bold action in Congress to combat the dangerous attacks made possible by the Dobbs decision and enshrine a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions into law.

• Pass & Adopt the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA): I was an early supporter and co-sponsor of the WHPA, which, if passed, would reinstate Roe as the law of the land. Women nationwide would be able to access reproductive care, and patients and doctors would not have to fear going to prison. While passing this legislation has been a long-standing goal of mine, it has become even more important amidst the recent attacks on women’s health care. Codifying Roe in Congress is absolutely vital for the safety of countless American women, doctors, and families.
• Pass my legislation, the Access to Family Building Act to codify a right to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other fertility treatments: The rollback of reproductive rights following the Dobbs decision opened the floodgates for an assault on all forms of women’s health care and family planning. I wrote the Access to Family Building Act to ensure that extreme politicians and courts could not take away the rights of hopeful parents to start or grow their families however they see fit. Not only does this legislation provide vital protection for hopeful parents across the country who may rely on IVF and other fertility treatments to grow their families, it also protects health care providers from any kind of legal repercussions. As someone who experienced challenges with my own fertility, I am committed to doing everything I can to protect patients who may have gone through the heartbreaking journey of struggling to have a child.

Protecting Women’s Rights:

● Ensure equal pay. Women in the 21st century should not be paid less than men for the same job. I was very proud the day that the House voted to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, because equal work deserves equal pay. For the sake of our nation’s families, workplaces, and the strength of our economy, I’ll continue this fight until we achieve true pay equality for all Americans. When women are fairly compensated, our entire workforce is stronger.

● Strengthen workplace protections for women. From the boardroom to the battlefield, and everywhere in between, women deserve equal representation and equal protection under the law. This includes clear policies and procedures that allow women to report harassment, without fearing repercussions.

• Ensure equal protections for female veterans and service members. I am proud to be a founding member of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans’ Caucus and to serve as a member of the Women Veterans’ Task Force. I grew up in a military family. My father was a proud, career member of the United States Air Force. I understand the issues that female members of the armed forces and their families face. I was proud to introduce and pass the Improving Legal Services for Female Veterans Act, which helps female veterans access legal services to assist with evictions and foreclosures, child support, and child care. Veteran reintegration services are not sufficient if they do not take into account the unique circumstances which female veterans face.
• Call out domestic violence and harassment against women and girls. In the 21st century, women and girls should feel safe and empowered in their schools and workplaces––not fearful of discrimination or sexual violence. It’s why I introduced a resolution to protect young girls from domestic violence, and it’s why I was proud to help pass the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. I will never stop fighting for the safety of women and girls in my — or any — community.