Your View

 The following letter is from June Rowe, Linda Hanson and Alan Linov, all of Arlington.

On Friday evening, Oct. 1, young people in Arlington led a rally at Mass. Ave. and Pleasant to protest the new abortion law in Texas, called SB.8. This law bans abortions after about six weeks into a pregnancy (before most people know they are even pregnant). Further, it lets anyone bring a lawsuit against medical practitioners, clinics and others who violate the ban and provides cash bounties of $10,000 (plus legal fees and costs) to encourage people to bring forth litigation.

Young people in Arlington organized the rally, created compelling signs and gave rousing speeches on why reproductive freedom, the right to control their own bodies and decisions, was important to them. It was heartening to see the passionate young activists in action, especially around such an important issue.

On Dec. 1, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. This is the first time the court will rule on the constitutionality of a previability abortion ban since Roe. It pits the State of Mississippi against the sole remaining clinic in the state that provides abortions. Given the make-up of the court, there is a chance that the justices will seriously erode or overturn Roe v. Wade. Young people will be most affected if the court guts Roe.

Thanks to the youth for holding the rally. And thank you to the social-justice committee of First Parish Unitarian-Universalist Church of Arlington for supporting their effort.

This letter was published Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021.

YourArlington's policy about letters to the editor

UPDATED, Aug. 20: YourArlington.com welcomes opinions of all kinds from local residents. They are reviewed for fairness, factualness and taste.

This site welcomes letters about any issue that stirs the public mind. Longer opinion pieces are also welcome.

NOTE: When sending a letter to The Advocate, consider copying YourArlington at the same time. Your opinions will be published sooner.

Please support your view with facts and arguments that attempt to adhere to reason.

You may write on any subject, so long as you try to make a connection to Arlington. If you can't do that, then your residence in town will be a sufficient connection.