Are you shocked, angered, or saddened by the recent Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v. Wade? Are you worried about women’s access to reproductive health? Do you fear that the rights of women are being rolled back? Are you at a loss as to what to do?

Many feel this way right now. As the implications of the recent decision spread across the country, you may feel the need to act. Marches are good in the short term, but to fight back for reproductive rights and to prevent other rights from eroding, we need long term sustained action. We need lobbyists and legal advocates in the right places. We need strength in numbers. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) has all this and more. The AAUW was founded in 1881, and since day one it has advocated for women and girls, including voting rights, pay equity, opportunities and support for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Title IX, and reproductive health.

Abortion is still legal in Maine. Groups such the Maine Women’s Lobby and Maine Family Planning support women’s reproductive rights. The Mabel Wadsworth Center is an independent non-profit that provides abortions. These groups can use your support financially or as a volunteer. Your support of women’s right to choose can also can be through letters to the editor to newspapers, communications with your local, state and national leaders, and support of pro-choice non-profits.

Over 170,000 women and men in AAUW make a difference. In Maine, you can join one of the four branches of AAUW, including one in Waterville. For more information, see aauw.org or email aauwofmaine@gmail.com.

Martha E. Arterberry

president

On behalf of the AAUW Waterville Branch