Reproductive Equity Now to Advocate for Bold, ‘Beyond Roe’ Policy Agenda This CT Legislative Session
The organization will work alongside the Reproductive Rights Caucus to support comprehensive repro equity policy
HARTFORD (February 20, 2024) — Reproductive Equity Now is launching its 2024 Connecticut legislative agenda today, intended to take the state beyond the protections previously guaranteed under Roe v. Wade to ensure equitable access to reproductive health care for all. The organization looks forward to working alongside the Reproductive Rights Caucus to pass comprehensive reproductive equity policy.
“Last session, Connecticut took historic action to expand access to reproductive health care, protect patients' digital privacy, and pass the first shield law to protect providers and those seeking care in the state. Yet, in a post-Roe America, there is still work to be done. Connecticut has a responsibility to continue to build back a reproductive health care future that goes beyond Roe,” said Liz Gustafson, Reproductive Equity Now Connecticut State Director. “We’re proud to be lending our voice to several priorities this year that collectively broaden our lens of what it means to achieve true reproductive equity in the Nutmeg State. We look forward to working alongside our legislative partners to ensure Connecticut is a place where all people can access the health care they want and need, free from barriers.”
Reproductive Equity Now’s 2024 priorities include:
Promoting Equitable Access to Fertility Care
Reproductive Equity Now is proud to support the ongoing efforts led by Equality Connecticut
The decision about if, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important life decisions we make, and everyone should be able to make that choice without barriers – which includes equitable access to fertility care. Connecticut can take action to remove barriers to fertility care for LGBTQ+ people and single individuals by updating the definition of ‘infertility’ in state statute and expanding insurance coverage for fertility treatment. Expanded coverage would align with Connecticut Solicitor General Sean Scalon’s recent change to expand fertility coverage for the Connecticut state employees plan.Expanding Access to HUSKY Coverage for Immigrants
Reproductive Equity Now is proud to be a member of the HUSKY 4 Immigrants Coalition
Connecticut has taken major steps to expand access to HUSKY coverage for prenatal and postpartum care up to 12 months, and for children ages 0-12 regardless of immigration status. Now, the state can build on its progress and expand Connecticut’s Medicaid coverage for all residents of the Nutmeg State, regardless of immigration status. Access to health care is a human right and no one should be denied life-saving care.Strengthening Telehealth Shield Protections
In the wake of the Dobbs decision, the Connecticut Legislature acted to pass the nation’s first shield law to protect providers and those seeking care in Connecticut. Now, the state has the opportunity to go further to protect its providers who may be willing to provide medication abortion via telemedicine to out-of-state patients. Connecticut has an obligation to continue to expand access to safe and compassionate abortion care, and can do so by strengthening its shield law to offer a layer of protection for abortion providers dedicated to providing care regardless of a patient’s location.Protecting Patient Access to Care
As we continue to see threats to bodily autonomy across the country, Connecticut stands apart as a leader in protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care. However, refusal laws allow any provider or health care professional involved in patient care to refuse that care based on their religious or conscientious objection. To combat these refusal laws in the state, Connecticut can act to ensure health care institutions, such as religiously affiliated hospitals, do not prohibit providers from providing medically-accurate information regarding a patient’s health status, counseling, and referrals for care that may not align with an institution’s moral or religious beliefs.
"I am so glad that the Reproductive Rights Caucus will be working alongside Reproductive Equity Now as we continue to push toward more equitable access to care," said Representative Jillian Gilchrest, co-chair of the Reproductive Rights Caucus. "We are committed to ensuring that all Connecticut residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or immigration status, have access to reproductive health care. This year's legislative priorities move us in that direction."
"The Reproductive Rights Caucus is proud to work alongside Reproductive Equity Now, and looking forward to continuing to do so this session," said Representative Matt Blumenthal, co-chair of the Reproductive Rights Caucus. "As reproductive rights come under attack elsewhere in the country, we will continue to advance legislation to ensure that every person in our state can reliably, affordably, and safely access the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare. Connecticut residents need—and deserve—nothing less."
Based in New England, Reproductive Equity Now works to make equitable access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care a reality for all people. Advancing reproductive justice and eliminating barriers to safe, legal abortion care are central to the organization’s mission.
