Read Senator Dodd's statement in response to our reproductive health questionnaire.

Senator Dodd (D-CT) has made global reproductive health — including abortion rights — a priority in his political career and for his presidential campaign. In response to a request for a statement on reproductive rights, Dodd submitted this to NARAL Pro-Choice America, "...That is why if elected, I will fight to improve access to safe, affordable and effective contraception through Title X. I will work to expand coverage of pregnant women under Medicaid and S-CHIP. And I will seek to expand the adoption tax credit."

In 2006, Senator Dodd voted for an amendment that sought to reduce teen pregnancy through family planning services and emergency contraception. Dodd has also actively supported federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, opposed bans on military base abortions and voted against the Unborn Victims of Violence Act.

Dodd's senatorial web site highlights women's health as an important issue area stating that he has "consistently acted to uphold the right of a woman to make the most private and sensitive decisions about her health and reproductive future, including those rights recognized by Roe v. Wade as deserving of constitutional protection." In addition, Dodd has worked to ensure equity in prescription and contraceptive insurance coverage in order to provide "increased access to contraceptive services for women...to prevent unwanted pregnancies" through the Equity in Prescription Insurance and Contraceptive Act.

Most recently, Senator Dodd along with Republican Senator Gordon Smith from Oregon, introduced the The Global Child Survival Act of 2007, in response to the recent release of Save the Children's State of the World's Mothers report, which seeks to dramatically increase child and maternal health around the world.

Senator Dodd had this to say about the recent Supreme Court ruling on so-called Partial Birth Abortion, "I am deeply troubled by today's Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of the Partial Birth Abortion Act of 2003, a decision which will needlessly endanger women's health throughout the country...In overturning long-standing Supreme Court precedent, today's decision will create uncertainty throughout the country for women and doctors on what medical procedures are legal, and will undermine their ability to decide what is most appropriate for a patient's health, free from politics."

Dodd talks about the essential tenets of his health care plan: