Abortion and Reproductive Rights

The decision about whether to terminate a pregnancy is the most personal choice a woman can make. The state has a limited role in regulating, but not preventing access to abortion.
I support a woman's right to access abortion services as defined by the Roe v. Wade decision. I have voted and will continue to vote for access to late term abortions where the health, safety or life of a pregnant woman is jeopardized by carrying to full term.
I took an active role in expanding the health insurance of state and local employees so that contraception is a covered expense. As a volunteer, I witnessed the results of the murder of workers at the Planned Parenthood clinic and supported the law creating a buffer zone around reproductive health care clinics.
I am concerned about high levels of teen sexuality and support the teaching of abstinence and birth control to minors, but do not support “abstinence-only” programs. I support the current law on minors' right to access abortion, requiring the consent of a single parent or judicial approval where an abortion is sought. It would be a tragedy to require a pregnant teen to have the permission of both parents to obtain an abortion when there are many absentee fathers and other instances where a girl’s own father may be the cause of the pregnancy.
I am opposed to providing men who claim fatherhood the ability to stop a woman from seeking an abortion, including but not limited to, judicial injunctions. I am opposed to mandatory waiting periods and so-called "informed consent" legislation before a woman can obtain an abortion.
I am opposed to late term abortions where there is no indication of a threat to the health, safety or life of the mother.