Alison Esposito

Abortion is a deeply personal issue. It’s emotional, it’s trying and it’s something that is deeply dividing.  Politicians taking advantage of this personal issue for self interest repulses me, so I wanted to set  the record straight and lay out what my stance is on this sensitive topic. 

My name is Alison Esposito, and I have the honor and privilege of running as the Republican nominee  for United States Congress in New York’s 18th District.  

I have been there, holding my friend’s hand as she made the hardest decision of her life when  confronted with an unplanned pregnancy. Ultimately, she felt she had no other option than to terminate  the pregnancy. It was a heartbreaking moment that has stayed with me and helped shape the positions I  hold today. My friend deserved grace then and deserves it now, because an abortion’s impact  stretches beyond the operating room. We must always remember that this issue involves more than  one life, the mother and the unborn child. 

I believe that every life is precious and should be protected at all costs. However, I acknowledge that  this is a deeply sensitive and nuanced discussion which is why I felt it necessary to pen this op-ed. I believe there should be exceptions to allow for abortion, such as in the cases of rape, incest and life of  the mother. As a believer in small government, I do not support a federal abortion ban. With that, it is  already enshrined in New York state law, and as your Congresswoman, I cannot and will not change New  York law. 

As a former NYPD Deputy Inspector, I fought for a better world for everyone. I put my life on the line to  protect the most vulnerable, and as your next member of Congress, I will continue to do that. I think we  can come together and work across the aisle to create a culture of life. We must provide more support  and make additional resources available for women who feel their only choice is abortion. We must  invest in life so that we can celebrate the greatest gift of all. 

In Congress, I will fight to eliminate taxes on baby and toddler items, to alleviate families of the  financial burden felt by so many. Additionally, I will work to ensure that childcare is accessible and  affordable.  

I will work to streamline adoption services, so those eager to embrace parenthood are not  discouraged or inhibited by burdensome regulations, and those in tumultuous situations can seek  comfort knowing their child will have a home and family. 

I will support increased funding and oversight of our foster care system to make sure no one gets lost  along the way. 

I will help ensure nothing stands in the way of access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments. After the  Alabama Supreme Court case regarding IVF was handed down, I was appalled. The decision is something  I vehemently oppose. As a member of the gay community, many of my friends have brought children  into the world using IVF, and I know first-hand how important that process is in helping families become  complete. IVF helps create a culture of life for individuals who may have lost hope. We should be doing  everything possible so every person who wants to become a parent can eventually hear the sound of  their own child’s laughter.  

Lastly, I will support funding for crisis pregnancy centers, so those who feel there is no hope can find the  support they need during such a scary and uncertain time. We must create a society where women feel  empowered to choose life. 

I urge you not to believe lies put forth by my opponent during this election, but to look for the truth. I  promise you I will never run from facts but embrace them. I will never hide behind misleading ads or  talking points, but I will be open and honest with you. 

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak with you about this personal topic and I look forward to continuing to work with you as your next Congresswoman.