Why San Francisco Must Protect Reproductive Rights: A Medical Provider’s Case for Proposition O

By Jen Nossokoff

As a medical provider and a candidate for the Board of Supervisors, I have seen firsthand the critical importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all. Throughout my career, I have advocated for health equity, focusing on vulnerable populations who often face barriers to care. Today, I am championing Proposition O – a measure that will protect reproductive health care in San Francisco – as part of my broader commitment to safeguarding health care access for everyone in our City, especially those who need it most.

Prop. O comes at a time when reproductive rights are under direct attack across the nation. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has resulted in a dangerous wave of state-level restrictions, leaving millions without access to abortion and other essential reproductive services. While California has strong protections in place, we cannot assume that they will always be enough. Prop. O is our opportunity to ensure that San Francisco remains a sanctuary for reproductive health care, no matter what happens elsewhere.

As a medical provider, I know that reproductive health care is not a political issue. It is a fundamental part of comprehensive health care. Access to services like abortion, contraception and reproductive counseling allows individuals to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. For many of my patients, especially those from low-income and marginalized communities, these services are not just critical, they are lifesaving.

Recently, the safety of reproductive health care providers in San Francisco has become a growing concern. Across the country, harassment and violence toward clinics are on the rise, and even in a progressive city like ours, providers face threats that hinder their ability to offer care. Prop. O provides protections for both patients and health care workers, allowing clinics to operate without fear of harassment. Ensuring the safety of our health care workers is essential to maintaining access to reproductive services amid increasing hostility.

In my practice, I have seen the devastating impact that a lack of access to health care can have on individuals and families. Too often, those who need care the most are the ones who face the greatest barriers, whether it’s financial constraints, transportation challenges, or the fear of stigma. Prop. O directly addresses these barriers by allocating local funding to ensure reproductive health care services are accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or their background.

Health equity has been a cornerstone of my platform throughout this campaign. My commitment is to protect and expand access to health care for all San Franciscans, particularly our most vulnerable populations. Prop. O reflects this value by ensuring that low-income individuals, communities of color and others who face systemic barriers can receive the care they need without delay. In a time of increasing inequality, it is our responsibility to provide a safety net that supports the health and well-being of every resident.

Prop. O also goes beyond just providing services. It offers critical legal protections for both patients and health care providers. With rising political pressure and the rollback of rights in other states, we must ensure that providers can continue to offer care without fear of legal repercussions or harassment. This measure strengthens our local commitment to protecting those who make the personal and professional decision to stand up for reproductive rights.

Of course, I understand that some oppose Prop. O on the grounds of fiscal responsibility. But let’s be clear – investing in reproductive health care is not just the right thing to do. It is a sound financial decision. By ensuring that individuals can access care when they need it, we reduce the longterm costs associated with delayed treatment, unplanned pregnancies and the health complications that arise when care is out of reach. Prop. O is an investment in a healthier, more equitable San Francisco.

Opponents who claim that Prop. O is unnecessary because of current protections fail to recognize the urgent need for proactive measures. The legal and financial safeguards we rely on today are not guaranteed to last, and we cannot afford to be complacent. Prop. O fortifies San Francisco’s commitment to reproductive rights by creating durable local protections and securing dedicated funding – steps that are essential in the face of potential state or federal rollbacks. While it may not fully insulate the City from broader political shifts, it establishes a strong and resilient foundation to ensure that reproductive health care remains accessible to all.

As a medical provider, I have dedicated my career to advocating for patients and ensuring their access to the care they deserve. As a candidate, I am committed to fighting for the health equity that makes our City stronger. Prop. O is a vital step in protecting reproductive rights and health care access for all San Franciscans, particularly our most vulnerable. I urge you to vote “yes” on Prop. O to keep our community safe, healthy and just.

We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone has the right to make decisions about their own bodies and access the care they need because health care is a human right, and San Francisco will lead the way in protecting it.

Jen Nossokoff is a candidate for supervisor in District 1 in November. Her focus is on community safety, transportation and health equity. To learn more visit www.Jen2024.vote.