What we talk about when we talk about privacy

When people think of protecting privacy, of course we must consider data security, election protections, and ensuring each person who calls this country home can live freely and safely.

But I also want to talk about reproductive rights and freedoms, because the fundamental element of our privacy is every person's right to bodily autonomy.

Politicians across the country are pushing horrific anti-choice laws with an eye to have a friendly, anti-abortion Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade. Donald Trump even ran with that explicit promise: elect him, he argued, and he'd work to roll back the right to a safe and legal abortion.

But this goes against the very premise of the America we all call home — one that must allow women to make choices about their own bodies.

That means funding better reproductive health care options. That means protecting access to abortions. And, beyond that, it means politicians backing up and butting out.

Because denying reproductive freedom shouldn't be our business. A woman who is pregnant has the right to weigh all of their options safely and without shame.

Until our country gets this right, any discussion of privacy in America must also include the right to privacy when it comes to reproductive freedom. Otherwise, extremists will be further emboldened to press their anti-choice agenda — and put lives at risk in the process.

That's my promise to you: I will always make it my mission to protect your right to privacy.

Ron*