AFL-CIO: Reproductive Rights Are Worker Rights

Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision:  

Equal access to contraception and reproductive health care, regardless of where someone works or lives, is essential to workers’ fundamental freedoms and economic security. The 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision is a solemn reminder that reproductive health care rights are also worker rights.  

No one should feel like their doors of opportunity are slammed shut based on their pregnancy status. No one should worry about losing their paycheck or job to travel hundreds of miles to see a doctor. And no one should have their collectively bargained health care benefits infringed upon by laws that criminalize doctors and their patients. 

Unions will continue to fight to level the playing field for low-income workers and workers of color who bear the brunt of policies that make it harder to access health care, family and medical leave, universal high-quality child care, food assistance, housing and other critical programs. 

The AFL-CIO and its 12.5 million members are poised to vigorously defend our workers’ right to bargain for quality health care and the right to control our own bodies, and we will mobilize like never before ahead of the critical 2024 election to protect all the fundamental freedoms that matter to working people.

Contact: Liz Vlock, 202-637-5018