A resolution designating a day in May 2024, as "Disability Reproductive Equity Day".
Impact
The bill highlights significant disparities in health care access, indicating that individuals with disabilities often encounter unique obstacles that impede their ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. These obstacles include systemic discrimination, legal barriers, and a lack of adequate healthcare training for providers regarding the specific needs of disabled individuals. By drawing attention to these issues, the resolution aims to catalyze policy changes that could improve healthcare accessibility and equity for individuals with disabilities.
Summary
SR703 is a resolution that seeks to designate a day in May 2024 as 'Disability Reproductive Equity Day.' The resolution aims to bring awareness to and support the reproductive and sexual health rights, autonomy, and freedom of individuals with disabilities. It acknowledges the long-standing barriers faced by this demographic, particularly in the context of reproductive health care access and the historical context of reproductive coercion and oppression against people with disabilities.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SR703 revolve around the ongoing impacts of discriminatory laws that have historically subjected people with disabilities to forced sterilization and other forms of reproductive oppression. Critics of existing policies argue that they reflect a broader societal tendency to undermine the reproductive autonomy of disabled individuals, leading to an urgent need for reform. Supporters of the resolution call for a comprehensive approach to correcting these injustices and fostering an inclusive environment that respects the reproductive rights of all individuals.
A resolution recognizing the importance of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 on the lives of individuals with disabilities and calling for further action to advance access, opportunity, and equity for individuals with disabilities.
A resolution recognizing the importance of independent living and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities made possible by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and calling for further action to strengthen and expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in work and community life.
A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.