Chris on Protecting Reproductive Choice

“As an attorney representing tribes and a member of the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force, I see every day how our policies and priorities leave people behind. The unconscionable Dobbs decision has created a new generation of second-class citizens – they are our daughters, our sisters, and our loved ones.

I am proud that my work has been recognized by Pro-Choice Washington and other advoates for abortion rights and reprodictive care.

Moving forward, we must ensure that care is accessible across our state for Washingtonians and those traveling from other states seeking care. In an era of hospital mergers and some religious providers refusing care – we have work to do on this issue.

In order to protect every person’s access to care, we also must remove its expense which limits access based on wealth. Healthcare – including reproductive and gender affirming care – is a human right and the legislature must protect it for everyone. Not just the wealthy.

Additionally, the important and personal decision of whether and when to have a family should not be made under economic duress. In Olympia, I will fight for investments in families including affordable housing, childhood nutrition, and universal childcare.

Having spent decades taking on federal and state governments to protect the rights and deliver overdue resources for Native and other underrepresented communities, I am ready to work every day in Olympia to change that.

I would be honored to earn your support so that I can join you in your work to improve access to health for every Washingtonian, and those who seek sanctuary here for reproductive care.”

—Chris Stearns