Iowa needs more women like Janice Weiner

In January 2016, we marched in Washington and across the world. While millions of women marched there remained only seven women in the Iowa Senate.

In January 2017, we marched on the Iowa State Capitol. A few weeks later, our legislature ended federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

In 2018, a bill to ban abortions around the sixth week of pregnancy became law. As a result, the University of Iowa OB-GYN department may lose accreditation.

The Medicaid privatization crisis, combined with the closure of clinics like Planned Parenthood, leave few care options for the underpaid mother. In cruel irony, babies will suffer because reproductive health is essential to healthy pregnancies as well.

Such inhumane laws would not likely pass if women were better represented.

Fortunately, we have a shrewd negotiator who will fight for reproductive rights, someone who doesn't back down when faced with overwhelming opposition. That person is Janice Weiner, State Senate candidate in District 37.

In her accomplished career at the State Department, Janice faced many such challenges. She is a skilled diplomat, with experience arguing for human rights against uncooperative governments. In Turkey she was awarded the Rivkin award for constructive dissent.

A single mother of two adopted children, Janice is critically aware of the sacrifice and responsibility that goes along with motherhood. She is extraordinarily prepared to represent us in this time of upheaval.

In the June 5 primary, vote for experience, vote for wisdom, and, most of all, vote for a fighter. Vote Janice Weiner.

Martha E. Hedberg

Coralville