Voting has been underway for several weeks in what The Nation magazine called “the most important Democratic primary of 2023,” between former state representative Lashrecse Aird and the incumbent, a scandal-prone former lawyer named Joe Morrissey.

What makes this race so important? It has to do with reproductive rights. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many states have enacted restrictions on abortion. In Virginia, Democrats have a slim margin in the state Senate, which allows them to hold back any abortion restrictions that Gov. Glenn Youngkin may propose. That makes every seat more important, especially the one Mr. Morrissey sits in, as he has been called “pro-life” and has intimated that he would vote with republicans on this issue.

There are some in the black community who say they’re okay with women losing their reproductive rights. They join the chorus of well-heeled white republicans and claim that keeping abortion safe and legal is a trick to reduce the population of black people.

That would mean Republicans want more black people in the world, a stance I haven’t seen on any of their platforms or talking points memos, but I digress. I suggest to our brothers and sisters who side with the so-called “pro-life” movement, that sharing a point of view with someone doesn’t mean you share the same status.

A privileged person will always have abortion access, no matter what state houses and governors decree, because they can pay the cost and know the “right” people. But people of lesser means will have their own health at risk as they submit to dubious medical providers using potentially unsafe methods. a dangerous process that could threaten the life of the mother, which could result in less Black people. Now there’s a trick.

Sleight of hand aside, the facts are clear. Abortion restric- tions disproportionately affect people of color, who already face enormous health disparities as noted by the four-part Associated Press series that the Free Press has published over the past three weeks. And, according to the Centers for Disease Control, Black and Hispanic women have the highest abortion rates. These same groups of women also may have to contend with inadequate health care, poverty and racism.

“This fight for abortion access that we’re in right now is a fight against white supremacy in this country,” Monica Raye Simpson, the executive director of the reproductive justice group SisterSong, told ABC News in 2022.

This election is about more than Mr. Morrissey, although his name is on the ballot. But it’s clear what side he’s taken in the war against white supremacy. It’s time to let him know that his actions and behavior will no longer be afforded.

Lashrecse Aird is unequivocable in her stance on abortion, as are the numerous Democratic men and women who stand in support of her.

“Reproductive access, which includes maternal health, contraception as well as abortion, should be in the Virginia Constitution,” she tells Free Press reporter Debora Timms in this week’s edition.

“To ensure the well-being of individuals, their families and our communities, reproductive health care must be accessible,” Mrs. Aird continues. “It is intrinsically linked to all financial, mental and psychological aspects of life. As such, I support our existing laws but we must protect the rights that exist in Virginia today and cement them in our constitution.”

Vote for Lashrecse Aird as the Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 13th Senate District.