In solidarity,

Debra Schrishuhn for the PDA National Team

Pro-Life Does Not End at Birth: Support Women’s Reproductive Healthcare Today

Opponents object to H.R. 3755, to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law, because it would, in their words, end pro-life protections for unborn children.

Here is my problem with the term pro-life as used by abortion opponents. “Pro-life protections“ should not stop when a child is born. Life is not merely a matter of a beating heart or lungs processing air. Human life Is inextricably entwined with human rights—the right to be treated with dignity; to have food security, healthcare, shelter, clothing, and education; to breathe healthy air, drink potable water, eat non-toxic foods, and live on a habitable planet. In fact, “pro-life protections” ought to extend to the right of individuals not to be brutalized or killed by agents of the state.

The point is, until you’re willing to go to bat for the entire range of human life rights, don’t be telling women what to do or not do with our bodies. Don’t tell us what constitutes healthcare for our reproductive systems. Don’t force us to bear children to satisfy your notion of reproductive ethics or theological tenets.

H.R. 3755, the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021, passed the U.S. House on September 24, 2021, and now awaits action in the Senate as S.1975. PDA fully supports these bills. Two Democratic Senators have declined to co-sponsor: Sen. Robert Casey, Jr., of Pennsylvania, and Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Call your Senators today and urge them to co-sponsor, support, and vote for S.1975. Let us know you acted.

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