Urgent Action Needed: Protect Women's Health and Rights Now

I am writing to you as a constituent to express my deep concern and to advocate for urgent legislative action regarding the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 12/S. 701). A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights an alarming issue that cannot be overlooked: the intersection of sexual violence and restrictive abortion laws. The study's findings are harrowing: approximately 520,000 rapes, leading to 64,565 pregnancies across 14 states, a majority in places without legal exceptions for abortion in cases of rape. This means over 58,000 women, including a staggering 45% in Texas alone, are denied a choice in a situation where their bodily autonomy has already been severely violated. The data speaks volumes about the real-life impacts of abortion bans and restrictions on the lives and health of women, especially survivors of sexual violence. The fact that 91% of these pregnancies occurred in states with no exceptions for terminations of pregnancies resulting from rape is not just a health issue but a moral crisis. This situation places survivors of sexual violence in an untenable position, further compromising their autonomy and well-being. I urge you to publicly advocate for the Women's Health Protection Act and ensure its passage. Additionally, the availability of Mifepristone for safe medical abortions via telehealth and mail (H.R. 767/S. 4467) is crucial. These steps are essential for safeguarding reproductive rights and health, especially in the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision and the subsequent restrictions on abortion access. As your constituent, I implore you to treat this issue with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The well-being and rights of countless women depend on actions taken by our elected representatives. I believe our collective moral compass and commitment to justice obligate us to act decisively. Thank you for considering my views on this critical issue. I look forward to your response and your public support for these vital legislative measures.