Letter: Abortion Is Health Care

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To the Editor:

Seventy percent of Americans support safe and legal abortions. Abortion is health care, and is a basic human right that has been protected by Roe for the past 50 years. Yet this right has been rescinded by six radical, ultraconservative Supreme Court judges, three of whom were appointed by a president who failed to win the popular vote.

Maybe that 70 percent got too complacent and took this right for granted. But the lesson is learned: No constitutional right is safe any longer. Many of us are outraged by the court's decision that does not even allow for abortion in cases of rape or incest.

But if we want our rights restored, outrage alone is not enough. We must do all we can to mobilize the vote for pro-choice Democratic candidates this November and in November of 2024 to keep Democrats in control of Congress and ensure that abortion rights are protected. If Republicans take back Congress in November, we face the dire prospect that they will enact a federal ban on abortion, criminalizing the procedure nationwide, and that other reproductive rights, such as access to contraception and the right to marry whom we choose, will be under attack.

In the meantime, if you want to join the fight, visit the Berkshire Brigades Facebook page.

Louise Farkas
Pittsfield, Mass.

Farkas is a member of the Berkshire Brigades steering committee. 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Extra Dalton Water Seats Stuck on Beacon Hill

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass.— The proposed amendment to the Fire District's Charter, which would expand the Board of Water Commissioners from three to five members, is still under state review.
 
With election season approaching, District Treasurer/Clerk Melanie Roucoulet said she has received several questions and concerns about when the Board of Water Commissioners will expand from three to five members.
 
During elections last May, voters approved a citizen's petition to change the board to five members in an effort to reduce the risk of Open Meeting Law violations. The change increases the number of members to have a quorum. 
 
According to state Rep. Leigh Davis' office, the bill was passed to be engrossed in the House and is currently within the Senate Rules Committee, Roucoulet said. 
 
State Sen. Paul Marks' office has written a letter to the committee asking for the bill to be released so it can continue through the legislative process. However, as of yet, there isn't an estimated timeline, Roucoulet said. 
 
She said she was informed it could take up to two years. 
 
Prudential Committee Chair Daniel Filiault explained that one challenge with the amendment is that it alters the charter, requiring a legal review to ensure it has the proper language .
 
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