Editor,

Why do women have different individual rights from state to state?

We in California, think we are safe from politicians who want to control our reproduction freedom. In 2022, even we in Sierra County, passed Proposition 1 which amended the California constitution to enshrine women’s reproductive freedom and that people have the fundamental right to choose: Whether or not to have an abortion. Whether or not to use contraceptives.

California isn’t safe from if a nationwide ban is instituted and Rep. Kevin Kiley has already voted to criminalize patients and the doctors who provide abortion services. Reproductive freedom must be the law of the land and legislated by congress, not by the states.

Whether they know it or not, virtually every woman has a friend, family member or neighbor who has had to make the very difficult decision to have an abortion. Rape, incest, abuse, lack education about or access to contraceptives, health risks are just some of the circumstances that can cause this life-changing situation.

My experience is that far fewer men are aware of the abortion decisions their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, have made. We ask ourselves “would they understand the health risk of any birth, economic cost of raising a child alone, interrupted education, lack of emotional readiness and support. Is it right for me to bring a child into the world who has immediate disadvantages?” We have kept this knowledge away from them, fearing their reaction because they haven’t walked in our shoes, don’t share our risks and many times aren’t prepared to help raise a child.

Jessica Morse, Congressional Candidate in District 3, supports the right of every person to have reproductive freedom. Kevin Kiley believes voters and politicians should make your private health decisions. Where do you stand?

Cindy Ellsmore

Sierra City

PS: All are invited to MEET JESSICA MORSE on JUNE 1, noon to 2pm. BBQ provided by Sierra Democrats at Sierra City Park, 216 Main St, Sierra City