OPINION: New partnership needed to protect reproductive healthcare rights

Despite the Trump Administration’s endless efforts to undermine reproductive rights, access to safe and legal abortion remains constitutional law. But that hasn’t stopped a rising tide of Republican-controlled states from doing everything they can to eliminate an individual’s right to choose.

To defeat this emerging threat, we need to forge a new kind of partnership between state and federal representatives. We must protect reproductive healthcare on two fronts: on Capitol Hill, and on Beacon Hill. As a leading pro-choice candidate for Congress and a State Representative who has led on crucial abortion legislation, we know the importance of this effort firsthand.

Make no mistake: Abortion access is under attack like never before. This year, we’ve witnessed Trump’s brand of misogyny ripple across the country—and into the doctor’s office.

This year in Nebraska, local leaders voted to tighten abortion access by banning specific procedures, a move that one state senator called “part of a national strategy to ban abortion completely.” Using the coronavirus epidemic as a shady excuse, Arkansas’ legislature shamelessly attempted to ban abortions permanently. Later this month, the state will implement harsh regulations that shame and prevent individuals from receiving proper care.

These denigrating acts are emboldened by Donald Trump. From saying individuals should be punished for having abortions to appointing dozens of anti-abortion judges like Brett Kavanaugh, Trump champions local restrictions across the country. According to Politico, “no one has done more to dismantle abortion protections” than Trump.

But now, strange as it seems, that fight has landed on our doorstep here in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts legislators are debating the passage of the ROE Act. This legislation would expand access to abortion, ensuring that anyone—regardless of age, income, or insurance—can access safe, legal abortion in our state. The Massachusetts ROE Act, co-sponsored by over 110 State Representatives and Senators and supported by over 70 organizations across the state, is still in the works. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s anti-abortion acolytes are fearmongering on Beacon Hill, spreading lies to prevent new protections for vulnerable individuals.

State Rep. Patricia Haddad

Jack Auchincloss, Democratic candidate for Fourth Congressional District