Women’s Rights

Sherrod believes a woman’s reproductive health decisions are between her and her doctor, and he’s repeatedly opposed efforts to take away that freedom. He has also worked to maintain and expand access to affordable birth control and family planning services, including championing efforts to defeat Republican attacks on Planned Parenthood.

Sherrod stands against the “global gag rule,” and has worked to both repeal the rule permanently and to protect federal funding for NGOs that provide family planning services.

Sherrod is a strong supporter of the Violence Against Women Act, voting for its original passage and numerous reauthorizations. He’s also spearheaded legislation to tackle the scourge of human trafficking and get justice for the survivors of these heinous crimes.

Sherrod has advocated for initiatives to address sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape. He backed proposals to hold powerful industries, as well as Congress, the military, and federal contractors accountable for their roles in these crimes.

Sherrod is committed to closing the gender pay gap and ending gender-based pay discrimination, which costs Ohio women nearly $30 billion every year. He’s co-sponsored all nine attempts to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act and proudly helped pass the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act, which allows victims of pay discrimination to sue after discovering they have been paid less than men for equal work. Sherrod has also voted for workers to have more paid family, medical, and sick leave benefits to help support women’s economic equality and prosperity.

Sherrod has been a staunch defender of the Affordable Care Act, and has resisted efforts to repeal the law and roll back protections that have benefited millions of Ohio women. He’s also a steadfast advocate for breast cancer education and research, and is committed to helping end breast cancer by 2020.

Sherrod consistently earns the support of leading women’s groups around the country. He holds a 100% voting record from Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America since joining the Senate.

• NARAL
• Planned Parenthood of America