1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

Hi! I understand that there are a lot of sweeping changes with the new administration. Many Americans are terrified, myself included. This correspondence is about abortion and birth control - most people who seek abortion aren’t using it as a form of contraception, nor are they killing late-term babies. If a late-term baby is aborted, it is because they have a very serious health issue that would endanger their life or the life of the mother. Democrats are not killing babies just because. Many seeking abortions are doing so because they might have existing children already, and the parent(s) realize that they cannot care for another. And as mentioned, some pregnancies need to be terminated, because of the danger to parent or child. Abortion is healthcare. It’s not healthcare that makes us smile and is sunshine and lollipops, but it is important. (Also, the Bible doesn’t ban abortion, Numbers 5:21 tells you how to, by the way.) We also might not need abortion as much of contraception remained widely available and legal - condoms, oral contraceptives, IUD, spermicides. People have ALWAYS had sexual relations outside of marriage. That’s not going to change. And even if you’re married, having sexual relations doesn’t mean you consent to a baby. We know that unprotected sexual relations to lead to babies, some STIs, and sometimes, a whole lot of heartbreak. Let’s try to avoid that by keeping contraceptives available and legal for all. Contraceptives do not mean that we have a blank check to have relations all over town, but if we choose to do so, we are protected. Also, many younger people are having fewer sexual partners and relationships these days, but contraceptives should still be available for anyone who chooses to do so. And what’s better cost-wise? Having insurers/Medicaid cover an IUD or an oral contraceptive, Health Departments providing condoms, or having a five-figure medical bill for the delivery of a child, plus potential subsequent CHIP or similar coverage? We need a strong safety net, but we also need resources to help us stop from needing to fall into that net. Also, please do not defund Planned Parenthood. They are instrumental in helping many. I could go on, but I think that this is long enough as it is. Keeping abortion safe and legal, and keeping contraceptives accessible and legal are true ways to “Make America Great Again.” Thank you!