Issue Position: Choice for All Women

Issue Position

Senator Schatz has demonstrated a clear and unwavering commitment to a woman's right to choose throughout his life and career. He firmly believes that women have a constitutionally protected right to make their own choices, and that government, and especially politicians, do not have the right to dictate or limit their options.

As Majority Whip in the Hawai"i State House of Representatives, Senator Schatz led the charge for over-the-counter emergency contraception by sponsoring legislation, which later became law, allowing access without a doctor's prescription. Proponents applauded his efforts protecting uninsured women and women in rural areas who often live far away from the nearest doctor, making it extremely difficult to obtain a doctor's appointment and prescription within the 72 hour time period in which emergency contraception is effective.

In 2003, Senator Schatz also voted for legislation requiring hospitals to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault victims. No matter what the religious affiliation of the hospital, he believes that sexual assault victims deserve to know their options, and should not be forced to carry their rapist's child simply because they went to a hospital that objected to emergency contraception on religious grounds.

In the U.S. Senate, Senator Schatz has taken an active role to protect the rights of all women. In May 2013, he joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in co-sponsoring the Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health Act (MARCH for Military Women Act of 2013). This bill would lift the statutory ban that prevents U.S. servicewomen from using private funds to pay for abortion services at U.S. military hospitals. It ensures that all women have the right to make individual choices about their health care. This is particularly important for women who are risking their lives to defend our country.

Senator Schatz will continue to fight for a woman's right to choose in the United States Senate.

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