To the Editor: Certain states will enact “trigger laws” when the Federal court overturns Roe v. Wade. These state laws include but aren’t limited to making pregnancy termination felony murder, banning Plan B, and making contraceptives available only to married woman. Some states are considering making it a crime to end life-threatening pregnancies including ectopic pregnancies (yes, really). I had an ectopic pregnancy and would be dead if not for the abortion that saved my life. Take a minute to think how this compares to cries about self-protection from gun rights advocates. Compare this to anti-vaxxers who make claims of “my body, my choice.”

In 1973 SCOTUS affirmed Roe v. Wade by a 7-2 vote. The majority opinion was written by a GOP president’s (Nixon) SCOTUS appointee. In 1992 SCOTUS again upheld Roe v. Wade. Eight of these justices were appointed by GOP presidents (Bush and Regan). Clearly GOP-nominated justices sanctioned Roe v. Wade not once but twice. Take a minute and consider this fact. What has changed nearly 50 years later?

Since Roe v. Wade the abortion rate has steadily decreased due to availability of contraceptives, enhanced sex education/knowledge, and expanded access to healthcare. Recognized and accredited polling institutions consistently show that 60-80 percent of Americans want Roe v. Wade kept in place. Why will SCOTUS overturn Roe v. Wade and the will of the people? Why will SCOTUS end a law they sanctioned twice in recent decades? Is this political theater, the desire to oppress women or both?

Denise Aumick

Wallkill