As the campaign trail takes me across Northern Michigan and the UP, it's more clear than ever — we must continue to champion women's rights and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
It's been an honor to spend my career on the frontlines of women's healthcare, and lately I've been moved witnessing firsthand the power and determination of women leaders in our district.
Last Thursday, Dr. Jill Biden and “Women for Biden'' visited Marquette. My team spent the evening with State House Candidate Jodi Decker in the Soo. I joined an Antrim’s women's discussion, and Cathy Albro just hosted us and several dozen women at a fundraiser in Bellaire. Soon, we'll be attending Planned Parenthood's ‘Choice Event’ and we're hosting a meet and greet with Christiana Reynolds and Kelli Van GinHoven, two prolific candidates in Delta County.
One of the key aspects of our campaign is coordinating with other remarkable leaders, particularly women running for state and local races. Together, we can empower the voices of those who are leading the fight for a better future in and out of the doctor's office.
A patient's room is much too small for a woman, her doctor, and the entire state or federal government. Bodily autonomy and medical privacy are paramount, and although reproductive care is a top political priority, our efforts don't end there. We're working to:
Eliminate the gender pay gap
End violence against women
Advocate for maternity leave and childcare
Dismantle gender stereotypes
Promote workplace and education equality
Our mission is growing support every day. The "Women for Dr. Bob" group now has over 600 members. This group could easily be called "Dr. Bob for Women”, because a major part of my campaign is to fight for the American liberties that all genders deserve. This of course includes the fundamental right to choose when and how to start a family.
I have four granddaughters — and they shouldn't have to fight the battles their grandmothers already won. They are why I am in this fight.
Thank you to all the remarkable women who have joined our cause. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside you in this important journey. Women's rights are human rights, and I won't stop fighting for a future that enables everyone to truly be free and thrive.