Dear John,

Just over 100 days ago, the United States Supreme Court overturned  Roe v. Wade, meaning women across the country today have fewer rights than their grandmothers did.

No less concerning, 17 states have abortion bans in place, which limit the rights of women and penalize medical professionals for providing essential health care. In Connecticut, Roe v. Wade is codified into law. However, without federal protection we are all at risk of losing this freedom at any time.

In September, Republicans in the both the Senate and House of Representatives introduced legislation to establish a nationwide abortion ban after 15 weeks. These bans have consequences that extend beyond abortion, including women being denied access to necessary prescriptions to treat miscarriage and conditions like arthritis and cancer.

Last week, I hosted Vice President Kamala Harris and Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America in the Fifth District of Connecticut to discuss measures the federal government is taking to defend access to reproductive care.

As a member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, I have been a strong proponent of measures that protect the right to choose. On July 15, 2022, I joined my colleagues in passing the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would codify the protections of Roe and eliminate burdensome restrictions on access to abortion services that have recently multiplied around the country. I am also an original cosponsor of the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Act.

While the conversation around reproductive rights often focuses on abortion, maternal health – especially Black maternal health – must be at the forefront. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Native American and Black communities experience 2 to 3 times higher pregnancy-related deaths, respectively, compared to white communities. Restricting access to reproductive care will further exacerbate those long-standing health inequities. 

As a member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, I am helping to lead the fight in Congress to save moms and end disparities. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act includes twelve bills to end the maternal health crisis, address social determinants of health, invest in community-based organizations, improve data collection, and grow and diversify the perinatal workforce. 

I believe that reproductive choice is deeply personal and should be made in confidence between a woman and her doctor. I support every woman’s right to autonomy over her reproductive future and medical decisions.

I am thankful for the continued partnership of the Biden-Harris Administration in their efforts to defend women’s fundamental rights. I am committed to continuing this very important work. Watch the full conversation here.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress