John,

The world watched in horror this month as Kate Cox–a Texas woman with a terminal pregnancy diagnosis–was denied an abortion after her child was diagnosed with Trisomy-18–a condition not compatible with life. She had to travel out of state. 

Sorry to get personal here, but many of you know that I also endured a complicated pregnancy situation when I was pregnant with my hoped-for first child. Though we didn’t choose termination, knowing that the option was there if our situation ever deteriorated or my life was threatened was an essential part of my care. I can’t stop thinking about what I would have done if the Texas law was the law of the land.

Republicans have shown us that this is what they want for the entire country. We should believe them. They keep their word. Last election cycle they fulfilled their promise to overturn Roe v. Wade. This year, women across the country are experiencing heartbreaking, life-threatening circumstances as they’re denied the healthcare they need. But many, like Katie Cox, are still able to get the care they need in another state. 

This election cycle, Republicans are telling us they’ll take away that right too if given the chance–they’ll make a national abortion ban the law of the land. 

We should believe Republicans when they say that they WILL implement a nationwide abortion ban if given the chance. We should deny them that chance. We do not want to look back on this moment and realize we did not do everything we possibly could to protect a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body and her own future.

Thank you,
Hillary