Congressman Carter Convenes Roundtable Discussion to Fight Back Against Republican Restrictions on Reproductive Healthcare

NEW ORLEANS, L.A. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) convened a Reproductive Healthcare Roundtable discussion at Christian Unity Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Congressman Carter and Whip Clark were joined by local elected officials and Reproductive Health advocates to discuss the fight in Washington, D.C., and right here in Louisiana, to protect Americans' fundamental right to reproductive freedom.

Other speakers included Representative Delisha Boyd, Louisiana House of Representatives District 102, Kaitlyn Joshua, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, Michelle Erenberg, Executive Director, Lift Louisiana, and Petrice Sams-Abiodun, Ph.D., Vice President, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, Inc.

“This roundtable was convened because conversations about reproductive health often leave out the South and red states generally. That’s a mistake. Because while policy may be shaped in Washington or in coastal capitals, the real consequences hit hardest here,” said Rep. Carter. “We’re here to chart a path forward. To tell the truth in the face of political pressure. And to insist that reproductive freedom is not just a blue-state issue. It’s a human issue. A health issue. And we won’t back down.”

“Republicans are attacking reproductive rights in Louisiana and in Washington. The LA State Legislature just rejected a bill that would allow young victims of incest or rape to get an abortion while Congressional Republicans are pushing a budget bill that slashes health care access for women and girls,” said Whip Clark. “Today, I was proud to join Congressman Troy Carter, State Rep. Delisha Boyd, and local leaders to stand up to Republicans’ relentless assault on freedom. House Democrats will fight at all levels to defend every American’s right to control their own body and future.”

“As a proud advocate for women's reproductive rights, I believe every woman deserves autonomy and compassion. My bill for rape and incest exceptions reflects my commitment to protecting her dignity and ensuring justice in Louisiana,” said Representative Boyd.

View photos from the event here.

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