As we enter the latter days of March, it’s valuable to reflect on this month as a time to celebrate Women’s History. We welcome the changes of spring, the dreaded time change on the clock and a time to celebrate and reflect on the numerous women who have paved the way for equality and empowerment. This month is more than just a nod to the history and legacy of women entrepreneurs, activists and leaders, it is about acknowledging the contributions of all women and to commit to building a more equitable and inclusive society. It is about proudly displaying the legacy and work of the game-changing women who came before us.
In my role as a legislator, I am deeply committed to championing women’s rights, particularly when it comes to reproductive rights. Women’s History Month is an opportunity to reaffirm not only my dedication to safeguarding these rights for all women, but also that of my colleagues. The right to reproductive autonomy is not just a policy matter. It’s about ensuring every person has the agency to make decisions about their own body. It’s about making sure people are free to make personal medical decisions that are right for them and their family – without politicians getting in the way.
My advocacy for women’s reproductive rights doesn’t start and end with my time in the Senate Chamber. It’s rooted in my lived experience as a nurse-midwife. As a midwife, I had the privilege of witnessing the moments of joy, strength and vulnerability that come with childbirth. I’ve seen first-hand why it is crucial to empower women to make reproductive health decisions that are right for them. More than that, I know the critical role that access to comprehensive women’s health care has on positive outcomes.
I’m proud of the work of this legislature to protect reproductive rights and the ability of women. LD 780, brought forth by Sen. Eloise Vitelli, is a proposed amendment to Maine’s constitution that would protect reproductive rights for all Mainers. This bill would give voters the opportunity to explicitly enshrine reproductive autonomy in our state constitution. That includes the right to make personal, private family decisions with guidance from medical experts and without interference from politicians and judges, including decisions about starting a family, birth control, fertility treatment, and abortion care.
Maine voters deserve the opportunity to weigh in and affirm that Maine’s constitution protects reproductive rights. No matter where a person lives, what they look like, what their background, every person has the right to make their own decisions. This bill is particularly important now, in the wake of the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that’s endangering access to IVF treatment.
To put it simply, passing LD 780 would be a clear message that when it comes to reproductive rights, Maine won’t go back. We won’t undo the incredible work of those who came before us. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us remember the trailblazers and as Laura Thatcher Ulbrich aptly put it, “the well behaved women who seldom make history”. Let’s also recommit ourselves to strive for gender equality.
If you have questions, ideas or comments throughout the legislative session, please feel free to contact me at Stacy.Brenner@legislature.maine.gov or my legislative office at (207) 287-1515. You can also follow my Facebook page at Facebook.com/SenatorStacyBrenner for more frequent updates.
Stacy Brenner is serving her second term in the Maine Senate, representing Senate District 30, which includes Gorham, and most of Scarborough. She is the co-owner of Broadturn Farm in Scarborough and is also a certified nurse-midwife.