John,

Two days ago, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing a case to determine the constitutionality of abortion bans like the one passed in Texas this year. If anti-choice conservatives get their way, this could mean the beginning of the end of Roe v. Wade and legal access to abortion as we know it.

These extreme laws being passed by Republicans in state legislatures aim to ban abortion as early as six weeks, a point in which many people don’t yet realize they’re pregnant. In Texas’ case, the law puts a $10,000 bounty on the heads of anyone — doctors, family, friends, Uber drivers — who helps someone get an abortion after the 6-week mark. It’s terrifying.

Having experience as a doula — a trained professional who provides support to patients before, during, and after giving birth — has only further solidified my belief in reproductive freedom and choice.

Childbirth is a remarkable thing that those of us with a uterus can do, and with it comes a circle of community, support, and shared wisdom. At the center of it all is vulnerability and trust:

… of yourself, your body and the process.
… of your goals and the preparation and plans you made to achieve them.
… of those who are supporting you to achieve those goals and plans.

Empowerment is key, and it starts with people being able to make reproductive healthcare decisions with their doctors — without the interference of politicians.

As a mother myself, I had the privilege of experiencing unmedicated home births close to a hospital with stability and no triggered trauma. But every person’s pregnancy and birth experience is different, and every pregnant person deserves the autonomy to do what is best for their well being.

That’s why this SCOTUS case is so alarming, especially with anti-choice Trump nominees Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett on the bench.

If we’re going to defend access to reproductive choice in this country, we need leaders in Congress willing to take a stand. It’s simple: I’m pro-choice, and Republican Ryan Zinke isn’t. The choice is clear.

Will you help me defeat Zinke next year and become Montana’s newest U.S. representative so I can defend access to legal abortion in Congress?

Thank you for standing by me,

Laurie