Testimony for the Women’s Health and Safety Act, SB 398

Linda, Rape Survivor

When I was 18, I was raped. The perpetrator raped me, beat me and left me to die on the side of the road. I went to the police, and they didn’t even take the person’s name. I went to the hospital. They didn’t do a complete medical exam. They just cleaned up my bruises and scrapes and sent me home.

I am the mother of three daughters. I am speaking out today because it is too painful to think about one of my daughters, or any other woman, going through what I went through.

It is even more unimaginable to think that a rape victim who chose to have an abortion after being brutally attacked could be thrown in jail under our current statute. These women are your mothers, your sisters, your daughters. Your friends. They are not, and should not, be treated as criminals. That is why I support the Women’s Health and Safety Act.