Last week I attended a local monthly women’s meeting. Three congressional candidates had been invited to speak. Attendees submitted written questions to the candidates. So I asked their positions on government involvement in women’s reproductive choices. To my shock my question was screened out; “over the top” was the phrase used.
So having been denied my question by a women’s group, I write this letter reluctantly. I don’t wish to be offensive; I want to draw attention to reproductive rights for women. I have many very dear friends who may disagree with my comments. To them I say I support their right to make decisions for their own lives and I know firsthand how goodhearted they are. I, too, am a Christian. However, as a retired counselor, I have had the privilege of knowing the private grief of many people, which has taught me to be compassionate and perhaps a little less judgmental.
In our country we have historically been accepting of others’ beliefs. Not that we feel it is necessary to agree with them, but that they have a right to their opinions. Certainly some Christians choose to have their reproductive choices dictated by their Christian beliefs. This is understandable. What is not understandable is that such Christians would force their beliefs on everyone else.
These days there are powerful Christians who are using our government to erode the reproductive rights of women and to gradually weaken the power of medical doctors to make such decisions with their patients. Most recently they have expanded their efforts and aim to use government programs to deny women contraceptives.
It should be pointed out that such government intrusion into women’s reproductive decisions would not affect women who have money. They will simply pay, or travel to countries where limitations do not exist. Only poor women will be deprived of reproductive choices. They are the least able to handle the unexpected health problems caused by lack of contraceptives.
I ask you, women, in the name of fairness: Isn’t it time to get the government out of reproduction?
— Norma Warren
Asheville
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