To the editor:
On Nov. 7, Ohioans are being asked to weigh in on some incredibly important issues. Issue 1 is one of them.
As I pass all the yard signs concerning Issue 1 asking me to "protect children," "protect women" and "protect parents' rights," I cannot help but be offended. I hear the passionate arguments against abortion. I simply do not agree. And the misinformation I hear does the arguments no good.
I am offended and incensed that these signs imply that I need a law to protect me from my own decision-making. A woman is utterly capable of making decisions regarding her own reproductive health care without the interference of government. This is the definition of liberty. No state law should intrude into my personal decisions -- decisions regarding contraception, family planning and abortion.
No state law should intrude into the care physicians deem necessary to provide in clinics and hospitals. No state law should make it possible to monitor health care decisions made by its citizenry. No state law should be permitted to monitor our travel. No state law should allow women and their families or friends to be jailed after seeking abortion care. This is a very slippery slope.
Politicians are not representing the majority of Ohioans or Americans when these laws are passed. Politicians should not be intruding into these incredibly private decisions. This is arrogance. This is misogyny.
Women need their rights back. Let's start in Ohio.
Vote yes on Issue 1.
Lynne Baird
Steubenville