Losing a child is a traumatic event. I know what it’s like to lose a child.

I’ve also enjoyed the pleasure of watching my surviving children grow into adults. The decision to become a parent is a deeply personal one. The decision to not parent a child is also personal and it’s a decision that should not be made by the government or politicians. The leaked document exposes the Supreme Court’s decision that repeals federal protection for women granted by Roe v Wade and puts states in control of a woman’s reproductive choices and reproductive healthcare. This decision has single-handedly declared that pregnant women are not entitled to full rights of citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States. That should alarm every American— Democrat, Republican, or Independent.

As the youngest state in the country, this loss of freedom is going to impact women in Utah in ways they may not fully understand. I’m afraid for the future health and well-being of our state. When Roe v Wade is overturned, as this document suggests, SB174 becomes law in Utah. This means, under the threat of imprisonment or a loss of their medical license, doctors and hospitals in Utah would be forced to determine if a woman ‘qualifies’ for an abortion. A victim of rape or incest must report the sexual assault in order to receive permission to terminate a resultant pregnancy. Before aborting a non-viable fetus, women would be required to obtain a note from two doctors, granting permission for her to do so. These laws endanger the lives and mental health of women and girls and put them at the mercy of others. This is not freedom.

The Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment provides women a constitutional “right to privacy,” in decisions regarding healthcare and reproductive choices. By pushing abortion rights to the states, the Court makes states overseers of women’s bodies and give legislators the right to scrutinize every pregnancy.

As the youngest state in the country, this decision is going to impact women in Utah in ways they may not fully understand. I’m afraid for the future health and well-being of women and girls in Utah. When Roe v Wade is overturned, as this document suggests, SB174 becomes law in Utah. This means, under the threat of imprisonment or a loss of their medical license, doctors and hospitals in Utah would be forced to determine if a woman ‘qualifies’ for an abortion. A victim of rape or incest must report it to receive permission to terminate a resultant pregnancy. And, before aborting a nonviable fetus the woman would be required to obtain a note from two doctors. This is not freedom.

Forcing women to endure the additional emotional, physical, and potentially life-threatening trauma doesn’t support women, it harms them.

That’s not pro-life. Roe v Wade gave women seeking or needing an abortion, access to safe legal abortions and medical care. Anti-abortion legislation will not prevent women from having an abortion. They will return women to back alleys and into dangerous conditions where many will die or be permanently impaired.

Among 11 developed countries, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate. So, instead of outlawing abortions, we need to create an environment that reduces or eliminates the situations that result in women needing an abortions. We must expand access to birth control. We must provide resources and safe places for women escaping domestic violence and sexual abuse. We must provide prenatal, pregnancy and post-partum physical and mental healthcare. We should encourage the expanded use of doulas and midwives in addition to pre- and post- maternity care. We must also provide paid parental-leave so new parents can care for a newborn and a new mother can properly recover from pregnancy without the threat of loss of income.

Women are removed from making their own healthcare decisions. This jeopardizes the life and health, as well as the emotional and financial well-being of all women. This Supreme Court’s decision, as stated and Utah’s trigger law will harm women in Utah. Therefore, I do not support overturning Roe v Wade because I trust women to be able to make their own decisions regarding what’s best for her, her body, her family, and her future. I believe women’s reproductive rights shouldn’t be a states’ rights issue, and should be guaranteed by the 14th Amendment protected by the Due Process Clause.

When elected to represent the constituents of Congressional District 4, I will be a vote that protects the life, health and well-being of all women.

Original source can be found here.