Happy 49th anniversary to Roe v. Wade

Jan. 22 marked the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and the constitutional right it established is under attack like never before. No matter our socioeconomic or geographical status, Iowans like myself overwhelmingly value safe and legal abortion access.

However, Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Republican lawmakers are laying groundwork for a future abortion ban via a proposed state constitutional amendment that would eliminate access to safe and legal abortion for 685,000 Iowans.

As a woman of reproductive age, I stand with the majority in support of a woman’s right to choose. I also work with mothers and babies. As a lifelong Iowan and health care worker in labor and delivery for three-plus years, I know how essential abortion services are. Abortion is a health care issue and, like any other medical procedure, it should not be politicized. Just as a politician would stay out of other essential procedures like heart bypass surgeries or cancer procedures, so too should they stay out of a pregnancy matter.

If Reynolds truly cared about improving public health measures and valued life, she would shift her focus away from attacking our fundamental rights and work to solve public health crises like rising maternal mortality rates and increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases across Iowa.

If we hold Reynolds and the Republican Legislature accountable and work together for comprehensive health reform, we can elect leaders who will improve public health and ensure Roe V. Wade sees a 50th anniversary next year.

Ashley Burns

Hiawatha