Championing Equity: Our Bold Legislative Agenda
Our agenda is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the right to make autonomous decisions about their bodies, families, and lives, free from coercion, discrimination, and stigma. We're proud to announce that this year, four out of the five bills we supported have been successfully passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor. These victories represent significant progress towards advancing reproductive justice in Maryland, but our work is far from over.
01
This bill requires Maryland Community colleges to provide access to OTC (over the counter) contraception on campus during all business hours through student health centers, retail outlets on campus, and/or vending machines.
Why we support this: It takes a crucial step towards reproductive autonomy. By mandating community colleges to provide easy access to over-the-counter contraception on campus, the bill empowers students to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Ensuring access during all business hours through various channels reflects our commitment to fostering environments that prioritize comprehensive healthcare for all.
02
This bill will ensure that gender-affirming care is protected from increased criminalization attempts and ensure that the provision of gender-affirming care can’t be used as a backdoor to attack abortion providers that also provide gender-affirming care.
Why we Support this: By preventing the misuse of gender-affirming care as a pretext to target abortion providers, this bill protects the rights and dignity of individuals seeking essential healthcare services. We believe in promoting an inclusive and supportive healthcare system that upholds the rights of all, regardless of gender identity.
03
Will get the production of child pornography to the listed prohibited offenses in 3- 324 Sexual Solicitation of a Minor will enable law enforcement to hold offenders accountable and protect children that are being victimized online.
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Why we support this: It addresses a critical gap in protecting minors online. By including the production of child pornography in prohibited offenses related to sexual solicitation of a minor, this bill equips law enforcement with the tools needed to hold offenders accountable. Our commitment to child protection extends to the digital realm, and this legislation aligns with our vision of safe communities for all.
04
Urges the Administration of President Joseph R. Biden to publish the federal Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and for the U.S. Congress to affirm, by joint resolution, the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment.
Why we support this: It is integral to our vision of a just and equal society. By urging the administration to publish the Federal Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th Amendment, we strive to advance gender equality and eliminate discrimination. Reproductive Justice Maryland believes that affirming the Equal Rights Amendment is a vital step towards creating a legal framework that recognizes and protects the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender.
05
This Bill alters the definition of "expenditure" to include reasonable expenses for childcare services that a candidate incurs as a direct result of campaign activity and that are necessary to promote the candidacy of the candidate.
Why we support this: It recognizes the intersectionality of caregiving responsibilities and political participation and acknowledges the challenges faced by candidates who parent. Making politics more accessible for parents is not only a matter of equity but also a strategy to increase the passage of family-friendly policies. Ensuring that candidates can access necessary childcare support during campaigns aligns with our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible environment where policies supportive of families can thrive.