Stamford Advocate (Sunday)

Simmons took a stand on reproducti­ve rights

- Shira Tarantino is a leader of PinkWave, a feminist organizati­on based in Stamford that celebrates women, transwomen, and non-binary people.

We are grateful to have representa­tives that fight for accessible, quality health care, reproducti­ve autonomy, and safe and legal abortions for all who need them. It is not acceptable to consider this settled law as we watch antichoice activists across the country seek to overturn Roe v. Wade in legislatur­es and in the courts.

As co-organizer of the recent “Rally for Reproducti­ve Rights and Abortion Justice” in Stamford (and a voter in the city), I found it interestin­g to see Bobby Valentine stand on the periphery of the 300-attendee event: a rally that amplified the voices of the people demanding abortion justice. As more than 50 percent of residents in this city are women — constituen­ts whom he is seeking to represent — I wish Mr. Valentine was clearer about his views on Roe v. Wade and reproducti­ve rights.

This is not a moment where our leaders can stand idly by.

It’s why we are grateful that our nominee for mayor, Caroline Simmons, was there to stand up “for women locally to have rights over their own bodies,” (her own words). This November, we are asked to vote for a leader who will fight for those who need a voice. We need to elect a mayor who not only understand­s why this is so critical to so many women across this great city, but one who is willing to stand up and call out attacks on our rights.

As the Supreme Court argues the case that will determine the future of abortion rights for all Americans, local leaders may well be the last line of defense to protect our rights and make sure we have access to affordable healthcare,

This is not a moment where our leaders can stand idly by.

particular­ly the right to a safe and legal abortion.

Where does Bobby stand on a woman’s right to choose? Is he ready to take a position on matters that make a difference in our lives?

We sure know Caroline Simmons not only has a position, but is willing to take the fight to the conservati­ve activists who try to demonize the right to a safe and legal abortion.

 ?? Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticu­t Media ?? Stamford Democratic mayoral candidate Caroline Simmons visits Lorca coffee shop last month.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticu­t Media Stamford Democratic mayoral candidate Caroline Simmons visits Lorca coffee shop last month.

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