Women's rights at the forefront of upcoming election
When does life begin?
I have a few questions about the "life begins at conception" idea. ["Fight for women's vote defines presidential race," seattletimes.com, Aug. 27.]
When a child is born, are they immediately 9-plus months old? Do we apply for their Social Security card immediately upon getting a "positive" test? Do the parents get to take the income-tax deduction prior to the actual birth?
- Karen Shelton-Johnson, Shoreline
An open letter regarding defunding Planned Parenthood
Please stop calling them "women's health-care issues," - it's health-care issues. If half the American population is women, then the other half of that population is having sex with those women. Her health issues could easily become your health issues.
Your mother, wife, sister or daughter could easily become very ill with a disease that's easily detectable and treatable, if she had a place to go for inexpensive and accessible health care. You could become very ill if the woman you're with isn't able to get regular checkups, like pap smears.
Is the cost of your family's health worth trying to stop someone from doing something they're going to do anyway? Desperate people will find a way - always have, always will. The difference is not only will the future potential of the unborn child be lost, but possibly the future potential of the woman carrying that child, as well. That woman could be your mother, wife, sister or daughter.
- Michelle Lazarov, Burien
Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
(Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation)Founder & Editor in Chief
Spoken Languages: English
Topic Expertise: Federal trust relationship with American Indians; Indigenous issues ranging from spirituality and environment to education and land rights
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