Issue Position: Women's Rights

Issue Position

American women have made great strides since the first women's rights convention in 1848. Today, women are central to America's workforce, in business small and large, in public service, and in our homes. That is why Rosa has developed When Women Succeed, America Succeeds: An Economic Agenda for Women & Families. Rosa also believes that we must work to increase women's access to employment in the changing economy. She has sponsored legislation that would provide training and support to workers who support families, so that they may obtain high-tech jobs and participate in the new economy.

Rosa believes strongly in women getting equal pay for equal work. Achieving equal pay for women would increase wages for thousands of households and bring thousands of families out of poverty. In 2009, Rosa introduced the Paycheck Fairness Act in the House of Representatives. The bill strengthens the laws against pay discrimination and closes loopholes through which employers can avoid liability for wage discrimination. Rosa will continue to fight for pay equity, as she has for her entire career in Congress.

Rosa recognizes the unique challenges that women face in obtaining access to the health care that they need. She has fought to protect women's reproductive rights, consistently voting to maintain and increase access to safe medical care for pregnant women. In addition, she has introduced legislation focused on prevention of unwanted pregnancy, increasing access to contraceptives and expansion of family planning services to inform pregnant women and girls about all of their options.

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