At age 40, I suffered a miscarriage and needed a D& C (an abortion). Distress and fear were mixed with intense pain and blood loss. Thankfully, the doctors and staff took care of me, and I wasn’t sent home to bleed out “naturally.”
Today, that is not the case in 21 states. For example, current Florida law allows exceptions “to avert a serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function”. So someone must decide, typically during an emergency, that “impairment” is irreversible. How is that defined, and will actions occur in time for the woman? What degree of risk, pain, bleeding or diminishment of a woman’s health is acceptable? This is why politicians and religious zealots don’t belong in doctor’s offices or emergency rooms.
Perhaps because some memories become embedded physically, I care deeply about the rights of younger women (take note, Bernie Moreno). But also, reproductive rights simply cannot be a state issue any more than slavery.
Women are citizens of the United States, with inalienable rights, which men should care about as well. I am now 72, and recall pre-Roe days via whispered stories about back-alley abortions, fear and lost lives. I am now a single-issue voter because we are not going back.
— Kathy Kuletz
Anchorage
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