BRATTLEBORO-As a mother, a wife, and an obstetrician-gynecologist who has dedicated my professional life to reproductive health care, I am so grateful for the work of Rep. Emilie Kornheiser.
Her steadfast leadership and vocal support of the Reproductive Liberty Amendment has made Vermont a model in the fight for reproductive justice.
My patients frequently voice gratitude during some of the most painful moments in their lives for their ability to access abortion care and treatment for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies without obstacles in Vermont. I, too, am grateful to be able to provide this life-changing and life-saving medical care without fear of prison, a lawsuit, or a threat to myself or my family.
Several months before Roe v. Wade was overturned, I treated a patient for an ectopic pregnancy who reflected that the care she received might soon be impossible to access in many parts of our country.
Unable to envision such a radically regressive future, I responded, "If I hadn't treated you, you could have died. Surely no one would stop doctors from doing that."
I soon realized how tragically right she was, as state after state passed laws preventing doctors from providing basic medical care that quite literally saves lives.
Thank you, Emilie, for your forward-looking stewardship of the Reproductive Liberty Amendment so that Vermonters will be ensured access to all necessary reproductive care.
This kind of progressive policymaking doesn't happen on its own - it takes the courage of a visionary with deep relationships across political divides.
Corina Tennant, M.D.
Brattleboro
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