To the Journal editor:

Our democracy and our rights are at stake in this election. Your vote is your voice determining the future of our country. Women’s rights are in jeopardy. The protection our Michigan Legislature put in our Michigan Constitution at the direction of Michigan voters would be trumped by federal legislation banning contraception and abortion. It is a matter of respect. Will a group of cells with potential for life be more valued than the daughter, granddaughter, sister, wife, mother in need of health care? Will women have the right to control their own bodies? Will they be able to make their most personal decision, if or when to parent a child? For 50 years under Roe v Wade Women had the right to make these decisions and had access to care. Now obstetricians and gynecologists threatened with incarceration move to states where they can practice medicine with their patient’s health and well-being the priority. This leaves those women in the states banning abortion more at risk.

Vote in this election like your daughter’s life depends on it. Vote for legislators who are committed to reproductive freedom, equal rights in our constitution, pay equity for women. Women are the social services network this country’s economy runs on.

Women provide uncompensated care for their families, friends and neighbors. They are the backbone of this economy. Women it is up to you this election. We can’t go back. Respect yourselves and Vote. Convince 3 people who were not likely to vote to get to the polls. Everyone else: give the women in your life the respect they deserve. Vote for legislators who support reproductive freedom and equal rights. Vote for Democrats Kamala Harris, Jenn Hill, Elissa Slotkin and Callie Barr.

Karlyn Rapport

Marquette