For those who are curious about how the US Supreme Court’s recent decisions could affect them — particularly Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health — one state representative will visit Newtown this month to address that topic.

The Newtown Democratic Town Committee will sponsor “How Did We Get Here? Privacy, Freedom and Women’s Health,” with State Representative Jillian Gilchrest, on Thursday, September 22, in the meeting room of C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street.

The 90-minute program will begin at 6 pm. Registration is requested and can be done through NewtownCTDemocrats.org or through Eventbrite (search for Newtown Democratic Town Committee).

Gilchrest will share some of the history and then talk about the repercussions of the momentous decision — including what other privacy rights could be at risk and what Connecticut is doing to protect access to abortion care and individual freedoms — and then answer questions.

Gilchrest was elected to represent the 18th District of West Hartford in the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA) in 2018. Prior to becoming a state representative, she served as the director of health professional outreach for the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut, and director of policy & communications for the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

She has extensive experience advocating for women’s health and safety, in particular influencing public policy at the CGA.

She earned a master’s degree in social work with a focus in policy practice.