2007-2008 BPW/USA National Legislative Platform

Preamble

The Equal Rights Amendment, as authored by Alice Paul, shall stand first, foremost and above all other items which may appear on the national platform of this Federation until equal legal rights for women and men become guaranteed in the United States Constitution, because all statutory law derives therefrom.

The Equal Rights Amendment “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

Platform

Economic Equity

Ensure pay equity and equal educational and economic opportunities at all stages of life; and promote affordable, quality dependent care to help ensure economic self-sufficiency for women.

Health

Ensure reproductive choice and full access to all reproductive health services and education; ensure funds for research into and protections for women's health care needs; and encourage the development of a national health care policy recognizing the special health care needs of women.

Civil Rights

Ensure equal rights and remedies for women in all phases of their lives; support affirmative action; and eliminate all forms of harassment and violence against women.