This letter to the editor, by Pam Frike, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on September 26, 2024.

Women in this country deserve better.    

We deserve the freedom to make decisions about our own healthcare, just as men have always had.That includes decriminalizing abortion and protecting our medical records.

We deserve the freedom to decide whether or not to have children and not be disdained as loathsome cat ladies. If we decide to give birth, we deserve more than two nights in the hospital and six weeks maternity leave.

We deserve the freedom to enjoy our grandchildren on our own terms and not be branded as “postmenopausal” low-cost or free babysitters filling the gap for expensive or non-existent childcare.

We deserve the freedom to pursue a no-fault divorce if necessary, rather than stay in an abusive marriage for the “sake of the kids.”

We deserve the freedom of financial autonomy, earning equal pay for equal work, obtaining a loan, investing, collecting our Social Security and having a credit card.  

We won’t go back. Women, fight for your freedoms and those of your present or future daughters and granddaughters who can not yet vote!  They are depending on you!

Don't let anyone rob your freedoms and relegate women to second-class citizenship!  Vote for Harris-Walz, Tammy Baldwin, Kyle Kilbourn, Paul Hambleton, Danielle Johnson, and Alison Page – all candidates who respect all people.