Constituent Correspondance

Dear Ms. Smith,  

Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I’m grateful you took the time to write, and I truly appreciate your kind words. I can hear how deeply you care about protecting life. While we may not agree on every part of this issue, I want you to know I take your concerns seriously and value you reaching out.  

I believe decisions about pregnancy are deeply personal and often extremely difficult. People come to them from different life experiences, moral convictions, and faith traditions—and I do not believe most people make these choices lightly. That is why I feel strongly that the government should not be the one making these decisions. I trust individuals, in consultation with their families, their doctors, and their faith or conscience, to decide what is best for their lives and health.  

That belief guides my work in Congress. I introduced the My Body, My Data Act to protect the privacy of people’s reproductive health information, so no one has to fear that sensitive data will be collected, sold, or used against them. I also helped lead the Right to Contraception Act, because expanding access to contraception prevents unintended pregnancies and helps reduce the number of abortions while supporting people who want to plan and care for their families.  

And after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, I supported the Women’s Health Protection Act because I believe basic reproductive health care should not depend on your ZIP code. When states move to ban or restrict abortion, some people are left with no safe or legal options, even in complicated medical situations. In my view, Congress has a responsibility to protect the ability of patients and doctors to make medical decisions with compassion and respect for people’s different beliefs.  

I also want to acknowledge that for many people of faith and conscience, this issue reflects a sincere and profound commitment to the value of human life. I respect that. I share the belief that every person has dignity and deserves care and respect. Where I reach a different conclusion is in what role the government should play. I do not believe criminalizing patients or doctors, or forcing one set of beliefs into law for everyone, is the right path. Instead, I believe we should reduce unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health care, and ensure families have the resources they need so more people can welcome children into the world when they are ready.  

Since the Dobbs v. Jackson decision in 2022, Congress has been deeply divided on how to move forward. Some lawmakers have pushed for nationwide restrictions, including proposals to ban abortion after 15 weeks with limited exceptions. I will continue working to protect reproductive freedom and to make sure access to care is guided by patients and medical professionals—not politicians—while also supporting policies that help people prevent unintended pregnancy and build healthy, secure families.  

Even where we disagree, I appreciate the seriousness with which you approach this issue and your willingness to share your perspective. Honest dialogue is how we move forward as a community and as a country. Thank you again for writing.  

Sincerely,