It could not be clearer to me — as a woman, mother, and deeply concerned citizen — that politicians do not belong in your doctor’s office.

Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican running to represent our community in Congress, has asserted that he is “100% pro-life,” meaning he wants abortion to be illegal and inaccessible.

However, taking away a woman’s right to end a pregnancy could have huge effects on her health, socioeconomic status, and life goals. Is taking away a woman’s right to an abortion in cases of rape, incest, or possible maternal death “pro-life?”

Many women feel abortion wouldn’t be the right decision for them, but do not want to stop others from making a different decision.

Our representative, Susan Wild, knows that medical decisions should be between the patient, their doctor, their family, and their spiritual advisor. Politicians like Ryan want to politicize this deeply personal issue. They want to use it to control women’s bodies by convincing people their goal is to protect “life.”

Susan has proven her commitment to protecting all forms of health care, not for her political benefit but for protecting the people she serves. That’s why I’ll be voting for her this November.

Marla G. Grafton

Jim Thorpe