Today marks the implementation of Governor Greg Abbott's abortion ban in Texas. Let's be clear - this is a ban. Most women don't even know they are pregnant at 6 weeks.
Even worse, this ban empowers citizens to report anyone they suspect may have had or assisted with an abortion. This kind of citizen policing is deeply un-American. It is the narrative of dystopian novels.
I am calling on Congress to act now to codify reproductive rights into law.
Everyone who is capable of human reproduction deserves the choice of if and when to get pregnant. Reproductive choice means protecting not only abortion, but also birth control in all forms, in-vitro fertilization, and reproductive care for non-binary and transgender people.
Most importantly, decisions regarding reproductive medical care should be made between patients and doctors. No citizen or government should prevent a person from receiving medical care.
The Declaration of Independence touts the rights to "Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness." How can we be American and deny those rights to any person who chooses their own reproductive path.
It is the duty of Congress and the President to act not to protect the essential rights of all citizens who require reproductive care.
