LD 1309 is a bill to ensure that all women, and in particular poor women, have access to safe health care options.

There are infinite complicated reasons why a pregnancy can’t always be carried to term, not the least of which is the health of the woman. For that reason, the choice of whether to continue a pregnancy is rightfully between a woman and her doctor – except if the woman is poor.

Currently some women in Maine are prevented from accessing their right to safe, legal abortions because MaineCare does not pay for abortions. LD 1309 would change that by providing funding for eligible women to obtain abortion services.

But LD 1309 is not about whether or not one is in favor of abortion. It’s about whether poor women should have access to the same rights as women who can afford them. While most private insurance plans cover abortions, it is women with the lowest incomes who don’t have access to these services.

This is a matter of fair and equal protection under the law.

Providing equal access to women’s health services is an act of compassion and dedication to equal protection for all Maine women. I encourage all our leaders to support LD 1309.

Stephan G. Myers, Auburn