Representative First Last

Dear Friend,

This month is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on how much progress we’ve made and how far we have to go to achieve true equality for all women. In Congress, I’m committed to championing legislation that advances the rights of women in North Carolina and across the country. In honor of Women's History Month, I wanted to take a moment to share more about my work for the women of Wake County.

State of Women in Wake

Last week, I was excited to host my inaugural State of Women in Wake County event. So many remarkable women joined my panel and shared their thoughts on issues that women in our community are facing — from reproductive health care to affordable child care and equal pay. This month and every month, let's continue not only to uplift the trailblazing women who paved the way for us but also recommit ourselves to helping the next generation of leaders in our own communities. Thanks to everyone who joined!

Safeguarding IVF access

Following the recent Alabama State Supreme Court decision declaring that frozen embryos are people, I'm calling on leaders to take action and protect access to IVF care. Joined by Attorney General Josh Stein and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, I heard firsthand from patients and providers who shared the urgent need to codify the right to IVF care nationwide. Thousands of North Carolinians rely on IVF to start or grow their families. Now more than ever, we must ensure that women and their doctors are empowered to make their own health care decisions, free from the interference of politicians.

Protecting medication abortion

Next week, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for a consequential case that could determine access to mifepristone nationwide. Last year, a federal judge in Texas issued an unprecedented ruling that would completely ban the drug. Now, the future of abortion access hangs in the balance once again. I'm doing everything I can to protect access to this safe, effective medication.

In the mifepristone case and many others, extremists have been engaging in a dangerous tactic known as judge shopping, whereby a litigant will handpick the judge who will decide their lawsuit. Nobody should have the power to choose who decides their case, especially when the ruling could have consequences for all Americans. That's why I introduced a bill – the Fair Courts Act – to end judge shopping and restore faith in our judicial system. I'm grateful that just last week, the Judicial Conference announced new guidance to help curb judge shopping, and I will continue working to advance the Fair Courts Act through Congress.

If you have questions about my work in Congress or need help with a federal agency, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. My team is here to assist. You can send me an email through my website or call my Raleigh office at (919) 334-0840. For updates on my work on behalf of our community, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @RepDeborahRoss.

Very truly yours,

Deborah