Sen. Akbari, Sen. Lamar & Rep. Johnson join White House convening on reproductive freedom

In a panel discussion, Rep. Johnson linked the health of democracy to abortion access in Republican-controlled states

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tennessee Democratic leaders spoke at a White House event Wednesday in support of expanding access to reproductive health care in states, like Tennessee, where severe abortion restrictions have taken hold.

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision on June 24, the White House is hosting 81 state legislators from across the country to highlight Republican attacks on reproductive rights, as well as state efforts to protect and expand access to abortion care.

Senate minority leader Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, Senate Democratic Caucus chairwoman Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, and Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, participated in the White House meeting.

Lawmakers from across the country joined the White House convening to discuss ideas for pushing back against extreme laws and for building a policy agenda that improves the lives of residents even when living under extreme abortion restrictions.

Senator Raumesh Akbari: “We are approaching the anniversary of the Dobbs decision and we are highlighting the importance of a woman’s choice at this convening. In Tennessee, there is no exception for rape or incest, fatal fetal anomalies, or the true health needs of the mom. We’re committed to the cause of reproductive freedom and we will continue this fight until every family can make these private health decisions for themselves — without interference from politicians.”

Senator London Lamar: “Access to reproductive healthcare is one of the most important issues I advocate for because of the staggering state of women’s health in Tennessee. At a time when women’s freedom has been stripped away in Tennessee, it’s more important than ever that we join forces with the executive branch to evaluate strategies to advance support for women’s access to healthcare. The White House recognizes the gravity of this moment and I’m honored to partner with them for Tennessee families.”

Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, also joined a panel discussion where she described the critical relationship between democracy and reproductive freedom in America — and the dangers posed by Republican-controlled state legislatures.

Rep. Johnson, one of the “Tennessee Three” who narrowly survived a politically charged expulsion vote this year, reflected on the intersection between extreme laws and Republican efforts to undermine democracy in conservative states.

“The health of our personal rights and freedoms cannot be separated from the health of our democracy,” Rep. Johnson said. “That’s why it’s imperative we continue to fight for fair elections and true representation in Tennessee and throughout the nation.”

Rep. Johnson appeared on a panel with Ohio House minority leader Allison Russo and Ohio Senate minority leader Nickie Antonio.

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, President Joe Biden issued executive orders to protect access to reproductive health care, including abortion.

Efforts to protect sensitive health information, including related to reproductive health care, have taken on renewed importance, as states, like Tennessee, have enacted policies penalize and criminalize health care providers and interfere in deeply personal medical decisions.