As a 56-year-old woman, I have counted on reproductive rights and individual rights to my own body for many decades. When I was young, living in poverty and without resources, I found myself pregnant. I was on birth control, but it failed. I made the decision to get an abortion. It was a difficult decision but it was the right decision for me.

Now with Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court, we may be looking at drastic changes to Roe v. Wade and restricting the rights of millions of women to get a safe and legal abortion.

I fear these almost certain changes could lead to less health care and woman being sent back to the old days with many deaths from unsafe, illegal abortions. Because ending safe and legal abortion won’t end abortion. It will just make them more dangerous for women who are determined not to be pregnant.

I hope that by writing this letter and sharing my story, others will do the same. Not getting involved is not an option.

Jennifer Byron

North Vassalboro