OP/ED: One Supreme Court Justice Away

By Valerie Roman:

There are many things to think about as we cast our votes this year. Most believe that when we walk into that voting booth, we are making a choice that will last for the next four years.

However, this November, we are making a choice that will last a lifetime. Over the next four years, we know that, given their age and health conditions, at least one, if not multiple, Supreme Court Justices will be replaced.

Supreme Court Justices serve until they no longer want to serve. We the voters cannot elect them and we the voters cannot oust them. It is totally up to the President to make the nomination and up to the Senate to approve or disapprove.

We are currently at a critical point in history. We know that the next selection will swing the court one way or the other. We know that if Governor Romney wins and Republicans gain control of the Senate, the Supreme Court would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.

If President Obama wins and Democrats control the Senate, Roe v. Wade would be maintained as the law of the land, as it has for forty years. Yes, the law that so many fought for over forty years ago is in jeopardy: Our votes this November will decide its fate.

Personally, I thank God that I have never had to decide whether I needed to terminate a pregnancy. I can’t imagine becoming pregnant after a rape or having a pregnancy that threatened my life. But, what I do believe is that if I, or anyone else, was in that situation, the decision should be made by me, my family and my doctor, not by a politician in Washington.

The current Republican Party is certainly not the Republican Party that I grew up with. I think that everyone would agree it is further to the right than at any point in history.

The far right runs the party now, and the party wants to make its mark. If you are a woman, or if you have a sister or a daughter, or if you have any woman in your life who is special to you, please do not allow this fundamental right to be taken away. Please vote for President Obama.

Valerie Roman is a resident of Windham, N.H.