Let’s start with the basics: Women’s rights are human rights. These include the right to live free from violence and discrimination; to enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; to be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn an equal wage.

As an elected official, I will be a vote to give my constituents back the women’s and voting rights that have already been and continue to be taken away every day by a Republican Congress and especially by this far right Supreme Court.  

Additionally, South Carolina’s legislature passed a 6-week abortion ban and continues to work on implementing measures that infringe on basic human rights and autonomy. This legislation is dangerous and poses great risk for families navigating important decisions that will undoubtedly influence their futures. 

In Congress, I would make it my priority to guarantee the right to choose, ensuring individuals have the right to make decisions about their bodies. My agenda is clear. I will be a vote to codify Roe v Wade into the law of the land, a vote to pass the Women’s Health Protections Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755), a vote to pass H.R.782 – Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, a vote to amend the U.S. Construction by passing the Equal Rights Amendment Act (ERA), and a vote to overturn The Comstock Act of 1873.

I also support protecting access to IVF procedures, contraceptives, and reproductive healthcare. Access to these resources is fundamental to protecting all individuals to have the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and their futures. Everyone should have access to parenthood if they choose. For this reason, legally protecting IVF procedures and equitable access to contraceptives ensures that people have the right to choose and remain safe. In fact, access to contraceptives, as a means to empower people to make informed decisions, is linked to greater economic stability and educational attainment for women.

Every woman and girl must have autonomous sexual and reproductive rights and be able to make decisions about their own body. This means we are entitled to equal access to health services, from annual check-ups and mammograms, to contraception and safe abortions. We must be able to choose if we want to have children and if so, how many, when and with who. Women should be able to live without fear of gender-based violence, including rape and other sexual violence. 

I will always be a vote for a woman’s right to choose what to do with her body. I am pro safety and pro healthy decisions. Lawmakers shouldn’t have control of your bodies, you should.