TERI ANULEWICZ: A Personal Commitment to Health and Freedom: Georgia's Right to Contraception Act
MARIETTA DAILY JOURNAL: OPINION
By: Rep. Teri Anulewicz | Mar 28, 2024
As a woman, a mother, and a Georgian, I am committed to ensuring that our rights to make personal health decisions remain protected. Georgia’s Right to Contraception Act seeks to protect and preserve Georgians’ right to contraception, including condoms, the pill, and IUDs. I sought co-sponsors for the bill from across the aisle, but there were no takers.
This fight is personal for me. It affects all women across the state, including my teenage daughter, who is just beginning to navigate the complexities of womanhood. Ensuring access to contraception is vital for managing health issues - from family planning to the challenges of perimenopause. Contraception is healthcare, and science has provided us with miraculous means to take control of our reproductive health.
Still, I’m encouraged by the overwhelming public support for access to reproductive healthcare, including contraception and IVF. Polling shows that nationally, over 80 percent of adults support the Right to Contraception Act, with substantial backing from voters across the political spectrum. Cross-party consensus on the issue underscores the recognition that contraception is an essential healthcare requirement.
The path forward requires courage, unity, and relentless advocacy. We must continue to voice our support for reproductive rights, engage in meaningful dialogues with our communities, and hold our elected officials accountable. The Right to Contraception Act is a testament to our collective resolve to protect and advance our freedoms. As we face these challenges, let us remember the importance of solidarity for the health, autonomy, and dignity of women in Georgia and beyond.
As we move forward, we must listen to the stories of those affected by these issues, understand our communities' diverse needs, and advocate for policies that respect and uphold our rights to make informed decisions about our health and futures. I am committed to this cause and will continue to fight for the rights and well-being of all Georgians. Together, we can safeguard our freedoms and ensure that future generations inherit a state that respects and values the rights of all its citizens.