Three years ago, the Pro-Choice Caucus had no full-time staffers. Now, the group has two on its payroll — led by Executive Director Aviva Abusch — a change that reflects the increased focus on women’s reproductive rights in the political arena.
Abortion rights have emerged as a key issue since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in the summer of 2022, and the Pro-Choice Caucus serves as the epicenter for reproductive rights messaging among Democrats on Capitol Hill.
“There’s a certain level that members needed us as an entity, the Pro-Choice Caucus, as the hub of all things reproductive rights on the Hill. There’s a certain level that you need that entity to operate at in this moment that’s different than every preceding moment,” Abusch told The Hill in an interview. “And so there was no way that we could’ve transitioned through this moment and done the work that members needed and benefitted from without growing our caucus and rising to meet the moment.”
Abusch — who served in different roles and offices on Capitol Hill for about three years before landing atop the Pro-Choice Caucus — said the group helps House Democrats spearhead legislative initiatives, pen letters and op-eds, and understand the implications of GOP-led anti-abortion efforts.
It also serves as the liaison between all reproductive rights stakeholders in Washington, including lawmaker offices, the White House, federal agencies and other groups.
Additionally, the job includes ensuring that House Democrats are clearly articulating their reproductive rights agenda, which they can take back home to campaign on ahead of high-stakes elections.
“Our job is to make sure that members are being clear about their reproductive freedom agenda here,” Abusch said. “They can go back into their communities, they can talk about here’s what we’re doing right now to protect your reproductive freedom, here’s what we want to do.”