We would like to thank Northampton councilors Alisa Klein and Gina-Louise Sciarra for sponsoring a resolution to affirm Northampton’s support of the ROE Act. And we also thank state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Reps. Lindsay Sabadosa and Dan Carey for their leadership in co-sponsoring the ROE Act at the state level.
As residents of one of the most progressive cities in one of the bluest states in the country, it is easy to assume that Massachusetts law protects us from reactionary legislative measures like the radical abortion bans and restrictions passing at an alarming pace in other states, including Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri, and Louisiana.
But this is not the case. Current Massachusetts law still places unnecessary and damaging obstacles in front of those who most need protection for safe and affordable abortion, including young women who might not have adults advocating for their well-being; women who are struggling financially; and women who are in precarious and difficult health situations. We believe that all people have the right to health care and that access to health care is a fundamental human right, for all genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Plain and simple, abortion is health care. And we believe that it is a fundamental human right for all people to make medical decisions of their own choosing, with the guidance of a health care professional. The ROE Act will ensure this right for all women.
We urge all those who hold similar beliefs to please show your support of the ROE Act by attending the Judiciary hearing at the Boston State House on Monday at 1 p.m. and the Northampton City Council meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Carrie N. Baker
Northampton
The author is president of the Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts. This letter was also signed by Kristen Elde, Liz Friedman, Jessica Kem, Jenifer McKenna, Tara Orzolek and Dale West.