Issue Position: Women's Rights

Issue Position

The continued Republican war on women's equality reflects an ongoing attitude that essentially still designates women as second class citizens, whether it is in the workplace or the healthcare arena. Women deserve the same opportunities as men. It is time the country moved out of the 1950s and into the 21st century on this subject.

Women's Wages

Women still make less than their male counterparts for doing the same work. The estimated differences vary depending on what study you decide to subscribe to. Some indicate women make only 70% of what men make while others indicate women make 91% of what men make. It doesn't really matter. All studies conclude that women do not receive equal pay for equal work. The Republican Party, in a straight party line vote, voted against the implementation of the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act in 2009. In addition, Speaker Boehner has stated that a minimum wage bill will not be brought to the floor of the House this year.

Women's Healthcare

A woman has a right to make her own decisions about her healthcare and her body. Every person does. Processes such as required transvaginal probes and required ultra sounds became the language of the Republicans during 2013. These practices are noting more than government intrusion into a person's privacy. The right for a woman to make her own decisions about her body and her healthcare was decided and finalized under Roe v Wade in 1972.

The appropriate ways in which to approach the issue of unwanted births is to ensure the family plays a guiding role with our younger children and young adults. This also needs to be enhanced by access to family planning services, effective sex education classes, including the discussion of sexually transmitted diseases and the practice of abstinence, and continued access to birth control options.

I don't know anyone who favors abortion. However, elimination of rights for women under the law of the land should be an affront to all people.

It is time that the Sixth Congressional District had a member in Congress that will fight for the District. If elected to Congress I will be a tireless advocate for the Middle Class and our District and will work with anyone for the good of the District. The Middle Class is the backbone of our country and the driver of our economic well being. I will fight to give the Middle Class the economic opportunities they deserve.

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