This is an ‘emergency.’ Use the midterms to reclaim a woman’s right to choose | Opinion

We are at a crucial turning point ― less than two weeks away from the mid-term elections.

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, I responded by creating a new artwork “Lady Liberty: Tears of Roe” to express my disgust that women no longer have the right to decide what to do with their bodies. Then I decided to use this artwork to encourage people to fight back, and to vote for candidates who will champion our freedoms.

Artists have long used images of tears to evoke a heartfelt response, and the word “woe” is defined as a misfortune that causes great sadness. I had taken a photograph of the Statue of Liberty and instinctively added tears running down her cheeks and the word “Roe” to her crown, symbolizing the cruel distress forced upon millions of Americans when the Supreme Court took away women’s right to choose.

We all have the power to make a difference during the midterms. Each of us has our own individual strengths and talents.

What can you do to combat the egregious Supreme Court decision? Plenty! Look into your heart and recall all that you have been through. Connect with your own personal power.

In an emergency ― and this is an emergency ― we can work together to uncover the solution at our fingertips: the power of voting. I have been doing my part by donating fine-art prints of my artwork to pro-choice fundraising events.

I hope that grandmothers, mothers, daughters and granddaughters look upon “Tears of Roe” as a reminder of the freedom of choice women had for 50 years.

Make no mistake: This is a threat to our democracy. The same people who stole our right to choose will eventually try to steal our other hard-won rights too. Join me in finding creative ways we can make a difference for these mid-term elections.

I am honored to have been selected by the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU on Miami Beach for a solo museum exhibition, from Nov. 16-March 26. Since this is such a critical time when women’s rights are at the forefront, I wanted this exhibition to be titled “Lady Liberty,” to bring attention to this issue. I am especially grateful that “Tears of Roe” will make its museum debut during Mami Art Week.

Let’s ensure the will of the majority is restored, so that Lady Liberty’s tears of woe won’t be in vain. The freedom to choose, for which women fought so hard, should be honored.

Bonnie Lautenberg is an artist, photographer and writer. She is the widow of the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-New Jersey.