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As a 76 year-old woman who fought for women’s rights in the late ‘60s, I am living proof that a woman’s right over her own body is her own business and that that right was enshrined in American law, until Sen. Susan Collins voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. She believed him when he assured her he would support “settled law.” He did not: he joined with two justices Collins had also supported in voting to overturn Roe v. Wade.
I was a happily married 29-year-old with a 1-year-old when I unexpectedly became pregnant. I had stopped teaching to raise our child and my husband’s writing career produced no income. I was overwhelmed by the prospect of having two babies under the age of three. Thanks to Roe, I was provided a safe opportunity for a standard D&C procedure. I recovered quickly and have never regretted my decision, a decision to determine my own life.
Three years later, with our lives more secure, I gave birth to a healthy baby. I had been able to “family plan,” with my husband’s support. Had there been no protection for me, I’m not sure I could have endured a back-alley abortion; our lives could have been in jeopardy.
Today’s Supreme Court has decided it can dominate women’s bodies, in whatever financial, psychological or emotional circumstance they find themselves. I believe Susan Collins bears responsibility, voting for Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, and believing a nominee who told bald-faced lies about his support for women’s rights.
Linda Viertel
Little Deer Isle