This assessment measures your ability to describe the relationship between health policy, legislation, regulation, finance, and practice of healthcare.

In this assessment, you will put your critical thinking skills to work as you develop a position statement on a current healthcare issue. This assessment will demonstrate the importance of using critical thinking in the operation of healthcare facilities.

Choose a current issue that reflects the political point of view of either one of the political parties, Republican or Democrat.

– The current issue for the position statement is Protecting Reproductive Healthcare Access from the Democratic Perspective

You are scheduled to testify at your state legislature regarding this issue. Develop a position statement that argues your point of view on the issue.

Cite a minimum of 3 APA-formatted peer-reviewed sources published within the last 5 years that support your positions.

Struggling with where to start this position statement? Follow this guide to tackle it easily!

Step 1: Understand the Purpose and Audience

You are writing a position statement for testimony at your state legislature, so your tone should be:

Professional
Persuasive
Evidence-based
Clear to policymakers

Your audience will include legislators, aides, and possibly the public. Assume varying levels of knowledge — so explain complex terms briefly.

Step 2: Organize Your Statement With a Logical Structure

A strong position statement usually includes:

Introduction
- Clearly define the issue: “Protecting Reproductive Healthcare Access”
- State your position from the Democratic perspective
- Include a brief thesis that previews your main points
Background and Context
- Explain what reproductive healthcare access includes (e.g., contraception, abortion, prenatal care)
- Briefly review current laws or recent changes that affect access in your state or nationally
Argument and Evidence
- Present 3–4 supporting points that reinforce your position
- For each point, connect to values typically associated with the Democratic perspective (e.g., healthcare equity, human rights, evidence-based care)
- Cite peer-reviewed research sources (within 5 years)
Policy Recommendations
- Propose specific legislative or regulatory actions you want the legislature to take
- Be clear and actionable (e.g., funding, protections, expanded services)
Conclusion
- Summarize why protecting reproductive healthcare access matters
- Reaffirm your position
- End with a compelling call to action

Step 3: Draft the Content of Each Section

A. Introduction

Briefly frame the importance of reproductive healthcare
Example opening:
“Reproductive healthcare access — including contraception, abortion services, and prenatal care — is essential to the health, autonomy, and economic stability of individuals and families. From a Democratic perspective, protecting this access is fundamental to equitable healthcare and public health outcomes.”

B. Background and Context

Define key terms
Include recent legislative developments nationally or in your state
Cite one scholarly source that explains reproductive health access in a policy context

Example source to support:

Journal article on impacts of restrictive reproductive health laws on public health

C. Main Argument Points

Write 3–4 paragraphs, each with:

A claim
Evidence from peer-reviewed literature
Relevance to the Democratic stance

Example argument themes:

Reproductive healthcare access improves health outcomes
Restricting access worsens disparities (racial, economic)
Access is linked to broader public health and maternal mortality reduction

Each paragraph should cite a different peer-reviewed source.

D. Policy Recommendations

Offer 2–3 concrete recommendations, such as:

Protect and expand Medicaid coverage for reproductive services
Enact state protections that safeguard reproductive autonomy rights
Increase funding for clinics in underserved areas

E. Conclusion

Briefly restate your position
Tie back to health, equity, and Democratic policy goals
Strong final sentence urging the legislature to act

Step 4: Find and Cite Peer-Reviewed Sources (APA Style)

You need at least 3 sources published within the last 5 years (2019–2026). Possible topics include:

The health impacts of reproductive healthcare access
Disparities in reproductive health outcomes
Economic and public health effects of access vs. restrictions

Sources might be from journals like:

American Journal of Public Health
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Health Affairs

Example citation formats (adjust with actual article details):

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Journal Name, volume(issue), pages. https://doi.org/xxxxx

Make sure every fact or claim you include is supported by a source.

Step 5: Apply APA Scholarly Writing Standards

Use formal language — avoid first person (“I”) unless required
Add in-text citations for all sources
Include a reference list at the end in proper APA format
Check grammar, punctuation, and clarity

Optional Enhancements (to Boost Your Grade)

✔ Add a brief statistic in the introduction (e.g., rates of unintended pregnancy) with a recent source
✔ Use one source on legal/ethical aspects
✔ Use one source on health outcomes
✔ Use one source on economic or access impacts

Quick Checklist Before Submission

☐ Introduction clearly states your position
☐ Background section explains context
☐ At least 3 evidence-based paragraphs with citations
☐ Clear policy recommendations
☐ APA formatting (in-text and reference list)
☐ At least 3 peer-reviewed sources from the last 5 years

Protecting Reproductive Healthcare Access: A Democratic Perspective