Augusta, Maine – In a new op-ed for the Portland Press Herald, Mainers Bonnie Blythe and Lynn Sterling slam Susan Collins for her vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court – a decision that helped pave the way for the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the rollback of reproductive rights nationwide.

They recount how Mainers flooded Collins’ offices with calls, protests, and personal stories, urging her to reject Kavanaugh’s nomination and warning what was at stake for abortion rights. Instead, Collins sided with Republicans to confirm him. Blythe and Sterling say that Mainers must remember the consequences of that vote when they head to the polls this November.

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Portland Press Herald: Susan Collins’ Kavanaugh vote has had catastrophic consequences for women | Opinion

By Bonnie Blythe and Lynn Sterling

May 14, 2026

• It seems especially fitting in this election year to remember a decision that reshaped the lives of women in Maine and across the country: Sen. Susan Collins’ vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court.

• In the months following Kavanaugh’s nomination hundreds of people, mostly women, protested and implored Sen. Collins to vote “No” on his appointment. Dr. Christine Blasey Ford had contacted Sen. Dianne Feinstein in July 2018 to report that she had been sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh years earlier. […]

• In September of 2018, protesters packed the hallways and office of Sen. Collins’ Portland office to emotionally share their own stories. We sat and listened to the stories, often moved to tears by the bravery the women displayed and the trauma they had suffered. […]

• Dr. Ford courageously testified before Congress on Sept. 27 in a hearing reminiscent of another hearing — that of Anita Hill during the confirmation hearings for Clarence Thomas. […]

• At the same time, the stakes were clear. Advocates warned that Kavanaugh could help overturn Roe v. Wade, ending federal protections for reproductive rights and rolling back decades of progress. That warning proved correct and set the status of women back to the last century.

• Protests continued throughout October with hundreds of constituents flooding Sen. Collins with demonstrations, emails and phone calls. Unable to speak directly with the senator in Maine, protesters travelled to Washington to ask Collins to hear them in her D.C. office. Many were arrested.

• During her speech on the House floor when she was casting her vote Sen. Collins said that she had spoken with thousands of Mainers about Brett Kavanaugh. It may be true that thousands contacted her urging her to vote no. Saying that she actually spoke with them is laughable.

• We know that she did speak with Kavanaugh and believed him when she said he would follow precedent regarding Roe v. Wade. He did not and here we are, and the consequences are undeniable: women dying, unable to access healthcare, being relegated to second class citizens unworthy of even emergency care in some cases.

• When Mainers go to the polls this November they should remember the catastrophic impact Susan Collins’ actions have had on the women of Maine and this country. Vote her out before more damage is done.