John,

This March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. During this month, I reflect on my gratitude for the women who came before me. As the first woman to ever hold my seat in Congress, I have a deep respect for the trailblazers who advocated for equal rights and opportunity and paved the way for future leaders.

While we've made remarkable progress over the years - from a record number of women elected to Congress to the historic election of the first female Vice President of the United States - there remains much more work to be done.

Right now, we’re seeing the erosion of women's reproductive rights across our nation, a step backward of nearly half a century. Never did I imagine my daughters growing up in a country where their bodily autonomy would be more restricted than mine.

Heartbreaking stories of women in dire need of medical care forced to travel great distances are all too common. Now, in Alabama, extremists have taken it further by imposing restrictions on family planning and breaking the hearts of families who had wanted to grow their families through IVF.

But in states across the country, voters are having a chance to make their voices heard. In states like Kansas and Ohio, voters have codified access to abortion into their state Constitutions. Voters are showing their fellow Americans that extreme politicians are out of touch with the American people, and the vast majority of individuals agree that women should be able to make their own choices without interference from the government.

Virginia stands as one of the few states in the South without restrictions on reproductive healthcare since the Dobbs decision. As Governor, Virginia will not go backward.

Together, let's stand for equality and champion the rights of women everywhere — and I hope you will join me in this campaign.

Thank you,
Abigail