The fate of health care reform and a public option rests in the hands of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin has promised to aggressively pursue votes if the House bill includes a public option.

In addition, we are still threatened by a huge roll-back on women's reproductive health choices. We cannot allow a bill that is supposed to improve the lives of Americans take away existing rights and endanger the health of women.

Millions of lives depend on this health care legislation. A public option is the best way to ensure these Americans receive basic health care.

We need to tell Speaker Pelosi that she must include a public option in the House reconciliation bill. America is depending on her leadership.