Reproductive Equity Now Endorses Jonathan Zlotnik for State Senate
Candidate for Worcester & Hampshire State Senate District will work to expand access to maternal, reproductive health care
BOSTON, Mass. (October 24, 2023) — Reproductive Equity Now, Massachusetts’ leading reproductive health care advocates, today endorsed Jonathan Zlotnik for Massachusetts State Senate in the Worcester & Hampshire District. Zlotnik, a current state representative from the Second Worcester District, is running in a special election for the Senate seat previously held by Senator Anne Gobi.
Throughout his time in the House of Representatives, Zlotnik has been a consistent supporter of reproductive equity, helping to advance the issue amongst constituents in his district. Recognizing the need to increase access to maternity care for his constituents after closure of UMass Memorial Hospital’s maternity ward in Leominster, Rep. Zlotnik is a co-sponsor of legislation to license and better integrate midwives into the Massachusetts maternal health system. Rep. Zlotnik has also worked to advance the Healthy Youth Act in committee, legislation to update the state’s sexual health education framework to be medically accurate, age-appropriate, and LGBTQ+ inclusive. He voted in support of the reproductive health care package that the Legislature passed in the wake of the Dobbs decision, and has supported historic state funding for reproductive health care clinics and abortion access in the state.
“Representative Zlotnik has been a steadfast voice for and a loyal supporter of reproductive health care policy in the State House. Now, we know he will be a trusted friend and committed vote in the State Senate,” said Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder. “Rep. Zlotnik understands the importance of advancing legislation to expand access to equitable health care, standing up for reproductive freedom, and protecting the rights of people across the Worcester & Hampshire District against relentless national attacks on our health care. We’re proud to support his candidacy for State Senate.”
"I'm proud Massachusetts has continued to be a leader in reproductive freedom. I look forward to continuing that work in the Senate and I'm pleased to have the support of Reproductive Equity Now," said Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, candidate for State Senate in the Worcester & Hampshire district.
The Worcester & Hampshire Senate seat was vacated this June by Senator Anne Gobi, a strong supporter of reproductive equity at the State House. Running against Zlotnik is State Representative Peter Durant, a Spencer Republican, who has a long history of anti-abortion votes and co-sponsorship during his time in the House of Representatives. Durant’s election to the Worcester & Hampshire Senate seat would be a backslide for the State Senate’s pro-repro majority.
The special election for the Worcester & Hampshire State Senate seat will be held on November 7, 2023. Before Election Day, make sure to check your voter registration HERE and find your polling place HERE.
To earn Reproductive Equity Now’s endorsement, candidates must have demonstrated a deep commitment to reproductive equity, an eagerness to lead on reproductive health policy, and a willingness to learn about the state of access and inequities in Massachusetts.
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