As the Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, I believe that women, not politicians, should decide whether and when to start or grow a family. Women should have access to the reproductive care services they need, including abortion, contraception, and IVF.

Since the Trump-appointed Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, over 20 states, including Florida, have banned or severely restricted abortion access. I am fully committed to restoring the right to abortion nationwide. That’s why I am proud to co-lead the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would guarantee women’s rights to abortion care and doctors’ rights to provide that care without the threat of being sued or going to prison. The previous Democrat-controlled House has passed this bill twice, but unfortunately, the current Republican House majority supports a nationwide abortion ban. I will not stop fighting until the Women’s Health Protection Act becomes law.

I am also fighting to protect access to birth control and improve birth control coverage. I am proud to cosponsor the Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would ensure the right to access all forms of FDA-approved birth control. I also want to make sure that we realize the ACA’s promise of $0-copay birth control. Unfortunately, too many women have been unfairly and illegally denied coverage of the birth control product that they and their doctors have determined they need. I have continued to call on health insurance companies to improve coverage of all contraceptive products.

We must also continue to invest in research on diseases and conditions that disproportionately or solely impact women, such as breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers, as well as endometriosis and menopause. I will continue to work with like-minded colleagues to increase research and public awareness of these and other conditions and improve access to testing and treatment.

If you need information on your rights and options for reproductive care in Florida, you can click here.