Democrat leadership affirms all individuals have a right to bodily autonomy,
Individuals should have full control
over their own bodies and health decisions. This principle
is fundamental to our beliefs, especially when it comes to
reproductive rights. Democrats argue that making decisions
about one's own body is a personal freedom that should be
protected and respected.
The statement that "abortion
is health care" reflects the view that decisions about
whether to continue a pregnancy fall under the category of
medical care. Democrats believe that access to safe and
legal abortion services is a crucial part of comprehensive
health care for individuals. This perspective emphasizes
that abortion should be considered a legitimate medical
procedure, just like any other health service that a person
might need for their well-being.
Furthermore, the
emphasis on the right to freedom of choice in accessing
essential health care services, particularly reproductive
health, underlines the belief in equitable access to health
care. This includes not just abortion services, but also
access to contraception, sexual education, and fertility
treatments, among others. Democrats argue that by ensuring
everyone can freely access these services, individuals are
empowered to make informed decisions about their
reproductive lives, leading to healthier communities and a
more just society.
The Democratic stance is about
affirming individual rights and freedoms, particularly
regarding health and reproductive choices. Democrats argue
that by supporting these principles, society can create a
more equitable and respectful environment where everyone has
the opportunity to make choices about their health and
bodies without facing undue barriers or discrimination.
Resources
Take Action
- The Roe Act and the Path Forward for our Nation: Hyperlocal Organizing Starting Now
- Planned Parenthood's Congressional Scorecard
NASW National
- Roe Provided Autonomy, Self-Determination: Privacy Rights May Prove Vital Since Court Overturned Abortion Law
- Reproductive Rights and Voting Rights Take Center Stage Across the Nation
- Reproductive Decision Making: Acting To Help Clients
- Webinar: Reproductive Decision Making: Acting To Help Clients
- Provide Quality Healthcare for All
- NASW National Committee on Women's Issues
- Social Work and Public Policy
NASW Chapters
- Social Workers' Role in Abortion Access
- Roe v. Wade Overturned: Social Workers for Reproductive Justice
- The Roe Act and the Path Forward for Our Nation: Hyperlocal Organizing Starting Now
Social Work Blog Posts
- Reproductive Rights legal cases handled by the NASW Legal Defense Fund
- NASW on amicus brief before U.S. Supreme Court that seeks to overturn Texas abortion law
- Texas abortion law could put social workers in legal jeopardy: Please sign petition
- NASW National Committee on Women's Issues denounces attacks on reproductive rights
- Overturning Roe v. Wade will disproportionately affect people of color: Here is what social workers should know
Reproductive Rights Organizations and Resources
- Know Your Rights: Reproductive Health Care
- Women Have Options
- NARAL Pro-Choice America
- Planned Parenthood
- National Network of Abortion Funds
- Center for Reproductive Rights
- Status of Women in the United States