Women’s Caucus backing package of bills focused on reproductive health, criminal justice and economic issues

For what is believed to be the first time in 40 years, the Maryland General Assembly Women’s Caucus has taken an official position to prioritize reproductive rights legislation. “That is where the fight is, and that is where the Women’s Caucus will be,” Chair Lesley Lopez (D), who represents Montgomery County in the House of Delegates, said. The caucus will back a package of four bills related to reproductive health because they “protect abortion rights, protect women, and protect Maryland.” Chief among them is a bill from House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) that would enshrine abortion rights in the state’s constitution, if approved by voters at the ballot box in 2024.