“If” is a powerful word. So, too, is “trust.”

If I thought I could trust future Maine governors to protect women’s right to self-determination, I would not be writing this piece in support of L.D. 780: A Resolution, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Protect Personal Reproductive Autonomy. Brett Kavanaugh (presumably) told Sen. Collins that he would support existing laws if appointed to the Supreme Court. He did not.

Currently women are fortunate because Maine protects the health care decision made by a woman and her doctor. The laws do not restrict a woman’s ability to exercise her private decision to terminate a pregnancy. Each pregnancy is personal as is each decision associated with it. Therefore, a woman and her health care provider should make the right personal reproductive health care decisions, not the government. To protect this right, we need to codify into the state constitution this right to reproductive autonomy. When our current governor is termed out of office, I do not want women to face the possibility of losing this current freedom.

During this short session of the legislature, state senators and representatives will be voting primarily on bills of great importance. One such bill is L.D. 780. While I am disappointed that the Supreme Court said states should decide for themselves whether to restrict this necessary health option, such is the case.

Consequently, I urge all state senators and representatives to put aside their personal beliefs and give the voters the opportunity to have their say. All Mainers need to vote on this constitutional amendment. Please contact your state legislators and request that they vote yes to L.D. 780.

 

Linda Woods

Waterville

volunteer, Grandmothers For Reproductive Rights

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