Dear friend,
I hope you are well. I know you have all heard the news about the leaked opinion on the upcoming abortion case, which would overturn Roe v. Wade. Let me be clear and say this opinion is a draft and is not final. Abortions are still safe and legal, so please keep any appointments you have scheduled.
Though a ruling has not been made, I was horrified to hear this news as I was thinking of young women in Milwaukee and across the country, like my granddaughters, whose reproductive rights would be snatched away. I thought of those who are LGBTQ, low-income, and of color who would struggle the most to access care if this ban were enacted.
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I have lived long enough to remember what life in America was like before Roe v. Wade. Earlier in my life, as a young woman, I had to hustle and get money from women’s organizations in Wisconsin just so I could travel to New York City to receive an abortion. I also knew women who weren’t as lucky who gave themselves abortions, seriously injured themselves because they had no other options, and who succumbed to these injuries and left behind their children. I say this to let you know that these freedoms are hard-fought and must be preserved with even more vigor today.
If Roe v. Wade is overturned our country, we know all too well the impact of this potential decision will fall disproportionately on those who lack resources. Abortion is health care, and it should be treated as such. This fight is far from over. I am doing everything in my power to protect access to abortion care, which is why I support ending the filibuster to enshrine reproductive rights in law, so your freedoms aren’t determine by any politician or Supreme Court justice.
Take care and stay encouraged.
Your friend,
Gwen
