As an intern with the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund, I had the opportunity to attend an event at the State House recently in honor of the 46th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

It was inspiring to hear female state leaders such as Gov. Janet Mills, Speaker Sara Gideon, Sen. Eloise Vitelli and Rep. Jay McCreight speak about the importance of safe and legal abortion and quality reproductive health care for all people. I have always believed that it is a human right for all people to have access to reproductive health care, and that access to a safe and legal abortion is a private matter, not something the government should have control over.

As a young woman, I am both inspired and thankful that Maine has many pro-reproductive health care leaders and legislators who understand that every Mainer deserves high quality and affordable sexual and reproductive health care, no matter where they live or what their income is.

I feel lucky to live in a state where I have those opportunities, and I am hopeful that, in my lifetime, national leaders and leaders in other states will follow suit.

Lexie Jamieson, Lewiston