HARTFORD -- State lawmakers have introduced a package of bills today to protect women's health rights in Connecticut.
"Over the last seven years over 830 state laws have been passed limiting women's health and reproductive healthcare choices," said State Senator Mae Flexer. (D-Mansfield) "We're here today to make sure that doesn't happen in the state of Connecticut."
The five bills are being introduced to guarantee a variety of women's health care rights currently mandated by the Affordable Care Act including to maintain Connecticut as a pro-choice state. Anti-choice Republicans in Washington are seeking to introduce bills that limit those rights and repeal the ACA.
Over the weekend there were several marches around the country including the March on Washington and hundreds of sister rallies. A march was held in Hartford at The Capitol over the weekend.
Hundreds of thousands of people are declaring their opposition to President Donald Trump's policies.
"We have many pressing issues in this state and limiting women's ability to make choices about their own bodies does not belong anywhere on the agenda," said State Rep. Liz Linehan (D-Southington.)
But the bills, some pertaining to abortions, aren't without controversy, pro-choice advocates want an open dialogue to address concerns.
"We on the pro-life side are just looking to have a conversation," said Peter Wolfgang of the Family Institute of Connecticut Action. "Most of all we'd like to see a public hearing on a parental notification bill."