I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R. 78, which seeks to impose further restrictions on abortion procedures. While I understand that the topic of reproductive healthcare is deeply personal and complex, I urge you to consider the broader consequences of restricting access to safe and legal abortion care on maternal health outcomes in our country.
The United States already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, a crisis that disproportionately affects women of color and those in rural or low-income communities. Limiting access to abortion and other reproductive healthcare services only exacerbates this crisis, as people are forced to seek unsafe alternatives or carry high-risk pregnancies to term without adequate medical support.
The data is clear: states with restrictive abortion laws tend to experience higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. When women are denied autonomy over their healthcare decisions, they face increased physical and psychological risks, including complications from pregnancy, unsafe abortion practices, and untreated medical conditions. Further restrictions will push us further away from achieving equitable, comprehensive, and safe healthcare for all.
It is also important to consider that abortion bans disproportionately harm vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities, and those living in poverty. The impacts of such legislation will ripple across generations, compounding the very challenges we, as a society, should be working to alleviate.
Rather than restricting access to reproductive healthcare, I urge you to focus on policies that address the root causes of maternal mortality and healthcare inequities. These include expanding access to prenatal and postpartum care, increasing funding for maternal health initiatives, and improving access to comprehensive sex education and contraception.
As your constituent, I implore you to oppose H.R. 78 and to work toward policies that prioritize evidence-based solutions to improve maternal health outcomes and protect the rights and well-being of all individuals. Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to seeing your leadership on this critical issue.