To the editor:
I was pleased to read Ed Bednar's deeply thoughtful letter in the Sept. 10 edition. I certainly agree that some lies are outrageous ("Some lies are outrageous.") I find the lie Bednar refers to, that Ohio women would not be able to receive miscarriage care unless abortion is legal, both laughable and incredibly insulting. Do the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity really imagine that Ohio women are that ignorant?
What concerns me even more is the overly broad and flexible wording of Issue 1, the proposed amendment to Ohio's Constitution. I have a lot of questions: Why use the word "individual" instead of woman? My 4-year-old grandson is an individual; so are his older brothers, and so is my 18-year-old granddaughter. Are they the reason for the word "individual?"
The phrase, "but not limited to," suggests to me that there are no limits. Sterilization was included in the Michigan amendment. Why is U.R.G.E. pouring so much money into promoting this amendment? What, exactly, is "gender equity?" And what does gender equity mean for all of the individuals who are my grandchildren?
The phrase I find most terrifying begins Section 2: "A person or entity that assists an individual in exercising this right …" What does that mean? Would an individual's coach or teacher or neighbor or crazy person have the full protection of the Ohio Constitution if he or she assists my grandchild to receive contraception or an abortion or sterilization or puberty blockers or gender transition care?
What does the word "burden" refer to? Is parental notification a burden? What about sanitary requirements or inspections in facilities that offer fertility treatments or contraception or abortion or gender-affirming care?
Would emergency resuscitation equipment of a transfer agreement to a nearby hospital in case of emergency be considered a burden? In some areas, would even having a medical doctor supervise such procedures be considered a burden?
One final question: Is it possible that Ohio citizens would actually vote for an amendment to our constitution that would permit a fully developed baby in the final weeks of pregnancy to be dismembered and aborted? The word "health" is as elastic as the word burden. A woman's health can refer to her emotional stability, her economic situation, her family situation, etc. That word can be stretched to fit just about any circumstance.
We had better think long and hard before we vote on Issue 1 and Issue 2 in November, because our children and grandchildren and their children will be subjected to the outcome.
I will vote no on both issues.
Sharon Conklin
Steubenville