Women’s rights on the ballot
This election is one of the most important in our lifetimes. Over four years, the Trump-Pence administration has proven they are focused on restricting access to essential health care — including sexual and reproductive health care. Democratic candidates have committed to continuing the protections of the Affordable Care Act, while Republicans have not. We are voting for Democrats up and down the ballot because we value coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, affordable access to effective contraceptives, and a woman’s right to choose not to continue a pregnancy. Voting is absolutely critical to maintaining access to our health care. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, abortion rights may be determined on a state-by-state basis. The legislators we elect now could well decide whether Connecticut women and their partners continue to have access to safe, legal abortion. Choose carefully!
The candidates for state representatives in Greenwich participated in a debate conducted by the League of Women Voters on Oct. 8. Only the Democratic candidates confirmed their commitment to a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. The Republican candidates gave tangential answers about “second guessing Supreme Court justices” (Harry Arora), “talking to our boys about being responsible” (Kimberly Fiorello), and how he has “not been forced to have that conversation because it is the law of the land now” ( Joe Kelly).
Beyond reproductive health care, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted this president’s lack of integrity and commitment to our health and our lives. In the United States, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeds 8.7 million and deaths are 225,000 and rising. It is apparent that we need to elect candidates who care about us.
We deserve better than what we have gotten with this president and the Republican Party. Connecticut has a long, proud history of protecting and advancing reproductive health and rights, but there’s still more work to do. State legislators are essential in fighting back against federal attacks and assaults on our most fundamental freedoms. We need Democratic leaders such as Alex Kasser, Hector Arzeno, Steve Meskers and Kathleen Stowe to keep our state moving forward. We know we can count on them to ensure that everyone has access to the health care they need.
We encourage everyone to vote like your life depends on it. We will!
Greenwich residents Erica Buchsbaum, Katey Goldberg, Donna Moffly, Sheila Mossman, Brice Russian, Nancie Schwarzman are members of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.