Issue Position: Choice

Issue Position

Committed to Choice for All Women

Brian has demonstrated a clear and unwavering commitment to choice throughout his life and career. He believes that women have a constitutionally protected right to make their own choices when it comes to their bodies, and that government, and especially politicians, do not have the right to dictate or limit their options.

As Majority Whip in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, Brian led the charge for overthe-counter emergency contraception. He sponsored legislation, which later became law, allowing access to emergency contraception without a doctor's prescription. Proponents applauded his efforts protecting uninsured women and women in rural areas who often live far away from the nearest doctor, making it extremely difficult to obtain a doctor's appointment and prescription within the 72 hour time period in which emergency contraception is effective.

In 2003, Brian also voted for legislation requiring hospitals to offer emergency contraception to sexual assault victims. No matter what the religious affiliation of the hospital, he believes that sexual assault victims deserve to know their options, and should not be forced to carry their rapist's child simply because they went to a hospital that objected to emergency contraception on religious grounds. Brian spoke passionately on the State House floor saying, "Once you're the only hospital in the neighborhood, you have a responsibility to all members of the public and not just to your personal religious beliefs."

In the Senate, Brian has taken an active role in protecting the rights of all women. In May 2013, he joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in co-sponsoring the Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health Act (MARCH for Military Women Act of 2013). This bill would lift the statutory ban that prevents U.S. servicewomen from using private funds to pay for abortion services at U.S. military hospitals. It ensures that all women have the right to make individual choices about their health care. This is particularly important for women who are risking their lives to defend our country.

Brian plans to continue fighting for a woman's right to choose in the United States Senate. He is a strong believer in the fact that every woman in the United States has the right to make decisions about her own body.

Source