Reproductive Rights

Privacy is a fundamental American value, one as essential as the rights to free speech and freedom of religion. That value includes protecting private medical decisions, such as the right to choose. The decision about whether to terminate a pregnancy is the most personal choice a woman can make.  This decision must remain solely between her, her family and her doctor- free from interference by elected officials.  I believe each of us has the responsibility to stand up and safeguard this right.

I am committed to making sure that every woman can make decisions about her reproductive health without government intrusion.  I support legislation that would repeal the unconstitutional pre-Roe V. Wade abortion ban in Massachusetts. I am also opposed to mandatory waiting periods, repealing the “Buffer-zone” law and so-called “informed consent” legislation.

We need to make it a priority in this Commonwealth to promote a comprehensive approach to reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.  All young people and women of reproductive age must be prepared with the appropriate knowledge and must have access to the services necessary to make smart decisions about their sexual health.

I am concerned about the high levels of teen sexuality and I support the teaching of abstinence and birth control to minors, but I do not support “abstinence only” programs.  Prevention is the best solution to protecting our young people from facing the difficult reality associated with sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies.

I believe the Commonwealth needs to invest in family planning and teen pregnancy prevention services. We need to improve access to emergency contraception and provide honest, age-appropriate health education to our young people.

Marriage Equality/LGBT Issues

I support the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health which recognized marriage equality as a basic right. I am committed to full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. I oppose any effort to overturn or pare back that decision through constitutional amendment. The recent repeal of the discriminatory 1913 law that prevented out-of-state same sex couples from receiving marriage licenses in this state was the right choice for the legislature and the governor to make. I also support the recent law ensuring equality in access to MassHealth coverage for same-sex couples.

Despite these recent successes, there is work to be done. Massachusetts is still among the minority of states that lack comprehensive bullying prevention and intervention legislation. Guaranteeing safe schools for students is essential to our children attaining educational excellence.

I am troubled by the teen suicide rate among LGBT youth. I support programs whose mission is to save the lives of these youths, such as those sponsored by the Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth.

The Legislature should play a role in achieving full equality for everyone in our society. I am committed to working towards that end.