After the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v Wade, Dr. Bera understands protecting women’s access to reproductive health care is more important than ever. In early June 2022, Dr. Bera along with other Democrats in Congress introduced the Affordability is Access Act (HR 7894), a bill to expand affordable over-the-counter birth control options and allowing women to plan their own reproductive lives, on their own terms. He also previously voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act (HR 3755), which would take a critical step in codifying the constitutional protections under Roe v. Wade. Making sure women have the right and access to make their own reproductive health decisions is imperative to women’s equality.
Since being elected, Dr. Bera has consistently stood up for women while Republicans across the country are ramping up their all-out assault on women’s basic health freedoms. There is no place in Congress for those who have repeatedly wasted time and taxpayer money to deny coverage for basic women’s health care like birth control. Dr. Bera knows that preventative care can save lives and millions of dollars, which is why he has vowed to continue fighting to support organizations like Planned Parenthood who provide critical life-saving services like family planning and counseling, birth control, screenings for cancer, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Additionally, he was named a National Women’s Health Champion by Planned Parenthood for his vision, leadership, and integrity in advancing women’s reproductive care.
Dr. Bera knows that women’s health also begins with safety. He took a stand for women experiencing violence by voting to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. He’s fought to secure funding for groups that help victims of domestic violence get services to help keep them safe and punish their abusers.