Issue Position: Reproductive Freedom

Issue Position

Every woman should be able to choose if, when, and how to become a parent. Maryland's codification of the right to abortion, its commitment to ensuring insurance plans cover birth control at no out-of-pocket cost, and continued funding of Planned Parenthood are all essential. And we can do more. We must ensure that reproductive health care is affordable, available in all communities (including prisons), and that all women can get the care they need without medically unnecessary restrictions or fear of harassment or judgment. We must also make sure our schools teach comprehensive age-appropriate sex-education, including affirmative consent.

Our state laws and health systems should promote women's health and wellness, and they must ensure equitable access to reproductive healthcare throughout a woman's life. This means access to high quality, culturally competent health care, to a range of birth control options including emergency contraception, to affordable abortion care, and to pre- and post-natal care. We must also ensure women are protected from pregnancy discrimination in the workplace and at school and that they have necessary break time and a private place to pump breast milk during the workday. Also, we must promote policies that support working families such as paid family leave, paid sick leave, and an increased minimum wage.

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