To the Editor:

Reproductive rights are on the ballot this November: after five months in the wake of the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, in which the Supreme Court overturned nearly five decades of judicial precedent, 26 states are now hostile towards – or outright outlaw – access to abortion services.

Despite the landmark passage of “safe harbor” legislation in July, however, Connecticut is not immune to echoes of anti-choice rhetoric. In the midst of the midterm election cycle, I’m fully committed to voting for the Democrats who have proven they will protect our right to choose and who I am confident will continue to do so if elected. Abortion access should not be a political buzzword to secure an electoral seat; rather, bodily autonomy should be recognized as a fundamental conviction of a free society and upheld to the fullest extent.

Democratic candidate for the 28th State Senate seat Captain Tim Gavin’s holistic vision of reproductive healthcare – one which not only includes abortion access, but also paid family leave, postpartum care, and affordable contraception – reflects his deep commitment to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. I’m deeply appreciative of Gavin’s pledge to ensure that these fundamental services remain affordable for all people.

I hope you will join me in supporting Tim Gavin this November 8th.

Heather Dean, MAT, CDA, She/Her

Sandy Hook