An abortion is a medical procedure that is discussed between a woman and her doctor. What has been happening these past few years is that the government has been trying to intervene and make this decision for women.

In response to Ms. Pierson’s Oct. 9 column, “Abortion policies need more restriction,” the only thing I have to say is do your research.

She claims that, “Roe v. Wade needs a facelift” — what she doesn’t know is there have been amendments to it since it was decided.

Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey (1992) decided that the trimester approach in Roe was no longer considered to be “good law” due to recent medical advances. So, Ms. Pierson, your facts are wrong!

Partial-birth abortion has many different terms as you said, but a partial birth abortion is often done before labor even begins. A partial-birth abortion procedure is only used in a very serious case of birth defects or an imminent health risk to the mother.

The government currently regulates these types of abortions.

Abortion numbers have increased since 1973 because by legalizing abortion it has become a “safe” medical procedure.

The numbers did not increase, they just became easier to track — before this law there were back-alley abortions and most were done in private residences. The only numbers there were were in cases of death or hospitalization.

By following Spain’s guidelines we would once again be taking the power of choice away from women, where it belongs, and giving it back to not only to our government but also to men. Women once again become powerless.

A lot of times pro-choice advocates are stereotyped as baby killers, but in reality most advocates are against personal abortions. The real issue is that pro-choice advocates feel the decision of a pregnancy should rest solely in the hands of the woman.

So, I hope when the Senate goes to vote they remember whose rights they are excluding.

If it’s passed, I will.

Erica Carnes

Junior

Political Science