Women's Health
As a former registered nurse, Rep. Donna Howard has made improving access to quality healthcare for women a priority since arriving at the Texas Legislature. She’s filed legislation to lower the cost of contraceptives, worked to preserve women’s reproductive rights, passed bills to improve the foster care system, and expanded the availability of childcare. She is currently the newest Chairwoman for the Texas Women’s Health Caucus, where her efforts for health equity can be multiplied.
What Donna’s Been Doing:
Spoke against SB 22, banning abortion affiliates from any type of taxpayer-backed funding, regardless of whether abortions are conducted at the facility, and HB 16, the “Born Alive” bill that seeks to intimidate physicians and other medical professionals.
Helped drive $9.4 million additional dollars into Texas’ women’s health programs.
Urged HHS to consider bulk purchasing of Long-Acting Removable Contraceptives (LARC), thereby reducing costs.
Passed a bill out of the House, which would allow Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) coverage of contraceptives for enrollees with parental consent.
Continues to file bills removing the ‘pink tax’ which classifies feminine hygiene products as unnecessary luxuries. At the same time, she’s also filing legislation removing the same tax on diapers.
Added an amendment to the landmark public education finance bill, HB 3, to allow parenting/pregnant youths to get assistance with childcare.
Spoke against SB 8 (85R), Texas’ fetal burial law, which is still legally enjoined.
Filed legislation making an assault against an employee or volunteer at an abortion or family planning facility a third degree felony.
HB 262 - creates a professional judgment exception to penalties for health care professionals who perform abortion services.
Worked to preserve the Women’s Health Advisory Committee.
Filed legislation requiring all health insurance plans to cover prescription contraceptive drugs.
Amended a budget rider to get a more accurate understanding of provider participation in the Texas Women's Health Program (TWHP).
Established a comfortable and private lactation room for visitors and staff at the Capitol.
