In the time of a global pandemic, requiring comprehensive and equitable health care coverage has never been more critical. As a woman who relies on the New Hampshire health care system, I am writing in support of the Reproductive Health Parity Act, which will require commercial and ACA insurance plans to cover abortion care if they also cover maternity benefits.

This bill will soon be on Gov. Chris Sununu’s desk to sign, and I strongly urge him to ensure that health care access is protected for Granite Staters during this uncertain time. In New Hampshire, other reproductive healthcare benefits like infertility diagnosis, treatment, and contraception access are already covered. It’s time to round out our state’s coverage of essential reproductive healthcare and protect abortion access in New Hampshire.

The passage of the Reproductive Health Parity Act would send a strong message in support of all Granite Staters by supporting a pregnant person’s right to health care. This bill protects residents from obstacles that otherwise prevent access to affordable abortion care, and would ensure reproductive health care coverage statewide.

Our values in the state of New Hampshire are built on autonomy and freedom – we are a state where our residents pride ourselves on our ability to “live free.” Living free extends to the right to make our own decisions for our bodies. A person’s freedom to decide what is best for their body is a basic human right. The passage of the Reproductive Health Parity Act would protect and defend these basic human rights in a time when many are facing uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

History will remember the decision Governor Sununu makes about this important protection for Granite Staters’ health care access. I encourage NH residents to call or email Governor Sununu and encourage him to sign the Reproductive Health Parity Act into law.

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