Don’t believe the philosophy that led to the Dobbs decision, overturning Roe v. Wade, has anything to do with the belief in a child’s right to life. If that were true, we’d see strong programs supporting families with children in the areas where abortions have been eliminated. This doesn’t appear to be the case. The true underlying goal is to remove the power of women by chipping away at their rights. It is, after all, easier to control women after taking away their bodily autonomy. Under the same reasoning that the Supreme Court used in Dobbs, the right to use contraceptive devices soon may be eliminated. The Supreme Court may also end “medicinal abortions” by largely outlawing the sale of drugs that can end pregnancy.
Working women know that they often face discrimination when they are or might become pregnant. If women take time from work to raise a family, they are less likely to be promoted to the higher rungs of the corporate ladder. For lower-paying jobs, women who must take time off from work for family issues are more likely to lose their jobs and less likely to get a raise. The new and proposed laws in NH (such as HB 1248) outlawing abortions and criminalizing doctors and mothers for health care are only the first step toward abolishing the rights of women. How are your legislators voting? Let’s fight back before women are relegated to the 18th century.
Lorraine Hansen
Rollinsford