I wrote this LTTE to the Indianapolis Star.

[Ariana Celeste]

I doubt it will get published, but we will see. Here ya go:

Reasons to Support Planned Parenthood.

In many parts of the world, unsafe abortion is the leading cause of death and injury among women. (The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI), Sharing Responsibility: Women, Society and Abortion Worldwide, New York: AGI, 1999)

According to a recent study by the Fuller Theological Seminary, the decline in abortions during Clinton's presidency has ceased declining and begun to rise significantly during Bush's presidency. Glen Stassen, the Lewis B. Smedes Professor of Christian Ethics stated that "economic policy and abortion are not separate issues. They form one moral imperative." Rising unemployment and soaring healthcare costs have increased the abortion rate. Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourners magazine, commented: "We have seen once again in this campaign the issue of abortion used as a partisan wedge rather than having a serious discussion on how to act to reduce the number of abortions. If we are to be truly pro-life, we must focus on real people and the conditions that lead women to seek abortions. Jobs, healthcare, and a living income must be part of a pro-life agenda."

Furthermore, we must look at the fact that even birth control doesn't always work. A woman can take precautions and still wind up pregnant. Many women choose abortion because they are not emotionally or financially capable of raising a child.

Proper sexual education decreases the rate of abortion. Abstinence only education increases abortion rate, and STDs for that matter.

Planned Parenthood is a very important clinic to have. They can educate about proper birth control, perform an abortion when necessary, and assure that those abortions are safe. Not only that, but they give counseling, and help couples to plan for a pregnancy.

If we were to get rid of Planned Parenthood, it would not get rid of abortions. Rather, abortions will be performed in an unsafe manner in back alleys and many women will turn to wire coathangers. Death and injury in women will increase significantly, and STDs will be far more outspread. Add to that many children will be born with STDs.

Being Pro-Life is not about opposing abortions. Truly being Pro-life means encouraging the safety and health of all people. Lets not go back to the days of wire coat hangers.











A little long. But I've seen them publish some long ones in the past.

[CrispyQ]

1. Great letter with valid points.

It's time to start hammering to the anti-choicers that abortion is on the rise with the dim son in office.

I hope it gets published.

[eleonora]

2. Nice letter

An issue that hits close to home.