To the Editor:

Whether you are like me when I wanted to pursue my education or whether you want to control the number and timing of your children, you know how important contraception is. In my own life as a young woman and as I’ve heard it from many clients, being able to decide whether and when to have children makes all the difference in the world to planning one’s own future, whether pursuing an education or having a job. We all know that when you become pregnant, many future plans either have to be put on hold or jettisoned altogether. This can be heartbreaking for many. It’s hard to give up your dreams when you’re still young with your whole future ahead of you.

SB 421 provides for access to affordable contraception available by prescription for up to a year at a time. Its provisions allow for just the kind of responsible decision-making that I wanted to engage in during my childbearing years and that others need in order to control their fertility.

I am happy to say that I was able to complete my education and went on to have a very interesting and productive career as a psychologist serving individuals and couples in many walks of life.

Contraception is important, even fundamental, to women’s ability to control their lives and pursue their dreams. That is why I am supporting SB 421 and encourage our legislators to do the same.

Judy Rowan, Exeter