‘Pro-life’ does not focus on postnatal life

As Iowa conservatives congratulate themselves on their "pro-life" victory by banning nearly all abortions, I would like to offer a different perspective on what a genuinely pro-life political agenda should encompass.

To claim the moniker of pro-life, I believe one should also wholeheartedly support and generously fund government programs that feed the hungry, provide health care for the uninsured; offer benefits and job training for the unemployed; protect the inherent dignity of all people, especially members of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities; support criminal justice and prison reform; fund public education at all levels; welcome and support refugees and migrants; and ensure that care facilities for Iowa's elders are safe and adequately staffed.

But as we all know; the agenda of so-called "pro-life" Iowans is narrowly focused on fetal life alone. At best, we could say that they are "pro-birth," but because they fail to support low or no cost reproductive, prenatal, postnatal and infant health care, even the title "pro-birth" is a stretch. In contrast, Iowa Democrats and progressives offer policies that protect, enhance, and support the lives of all those who live in our state. If you are sincerely interested in being pro-life, I suggest you check them out.

Marion Pruitt-Jefferson

Decorah