Two years ago, I publicly shared my personal experience with abortion. Now that the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion, I’m coming to you to tell my family’s story once again -- because the stakes have never been higher.
When my first wife was pregnant -- with a child we dearly wanted -- her water broke at only four months. When we visited the doctor, he made it very clear: There was zero chance the baby would survive. None. My wife would suffer a miscarriage -- and we had to simply go home and wait for that to happen overnight.
Our hearts were shattered; our minds in total shock; our souls crushed. No words will ever describe the pain and loss.
But the miscarriage didn't happen that night. Or the next.
After those two excruciating nights, we returned to our doctor, who became very worried about my wife's health and an infection that could put her life at risk. Our doctor went to the hospital board, asking for an exception to their policy prohibiting abortions.
We were rejected.
Our doctor told us that the decision was based on politics, not good medical advice or practices. He recommended that we seek care elsewhere, immediately. Thankfully, we were able to get to another hospital, where she had an emergency procedure.
My story is one that is very personal and painful, but it is not unique. Folks all across the country face similar situations each and every day. As the GOP advances it’s attacks on reproductive freedoms and efforts to make abortion illegal, we must work tirelessly to protect the right of patients to make their own medical decisions without interference from politics.
Make no mistake: The situation we now find ourselves in is the direct result of Republicans’ decades-long assault on reproductive health care. GOP lawmakers aren’t showing any signs of slowing down following the Supreme Court’s decision about Roe.
With our fundamental rights on the ballot this November, it’s imperative that we elect Democrats up and down the ballot who will fight for those freedoms. So that’s why I’m asking you: Please will you make a $7 donation to the DNC before their end-of-quarter deadline on Thursday to support the organizing, voter protection, and grassroots programs that will help elect Democratic leaders nationwide?
Thanks for reading and for being a part of this team. It means the world.
Gary
Gary Peters
U.S. Senator, Michigan
