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As Americans, we share fundamental values that unite us: we believe in freedom, compassion for our neighbors, and hope for the future. We all want a comfortable home, food on the table, and loved ones to share life's journey. Central to these aspirations is the liberty to make personal decisions without undue interference.
Recently, our cherished freedoms have come under threat, particularly when it comes to healthcare. The MAGA movement has launched an unprecedented assault on women's healthcare rights, rolling back half a century of progress. Despite Donald Trump’s claims in Tuesday night’s debate to be “a leader in fertility,” there are 26 states where women's reproductive freedoms are now severely restricted, with some even challenging life-giving fertility treatments like IVF.
As the mother of a healthy child conceived with the assistance of assisted reproductive therapies – in my case In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) – I'm grateful my son arrived before these attacks intensified. He’s now a thriving kindergartener. But I worry about other families who may be denied this joy. This isn't about politics; it's about preserving the core American value of personal freedom.
The future we want is one where all families can make their own healthcare decisions, free from government overreach. We've seen glimpses of this future: Ohio – along with five other states – recently voted to protect reproductive rights, showing that when given the choice, Americans choose freedom.
This November, we have the power to safeguard these essential liberties. By voting for Harris/Walz and other Democratic candidates like Sherrod Brown, we can ensure that women's lives and futures are protected, and that the freedom to make personal healthcare decisions remains intact.
Let's stand together for our shared values and vote for a future that respects individual liberty. Our votes are our voice, and together, we can shape a country that truly embodies the freedoms we hold dear.
Molly M. Gutridge
Mt. Vernon, OH (Miller Twp.)
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