Decision to abort should solely be woman’s

Before 1973 I knew of the days of illegal abortion, of searching for a physician only to learn that the physician had left the state to protect himself and his family. These were the darkest days imaginable. Women's reproductive health care includes abortion, and is at times, a necessary medical procedure.

The right to abortion has been under siege for decades. The June 24 United States Supreme Court decision eroded the rights of women, as did the Iowa Supreme Court decision stating that the state constitution protects no fundamental right to abortion.

I never thought I would see the day that the precedent of women's right to choose would be slashed. The ramifications of these decisions are far, far reaching.

I am humbled to have served women for thirty years at the Cedar Rapids Clinic for Women, where we provided counseling, birth control and abortion services. The vast majority of women who made the decision to terminate a pregnancy was after considerable deliberation.

Prior to June 24 it was a women's sole/soul decision whether to terminate a pregnancy. This decision does not belong in the hands of elected state or federal officials.

It is time for action! The importance of voting in every election cannot be understated.

It is critically important to support candidates who will undo the damage. Our lives depend on it, as does our democracy. Through activism, I maintain hope for the future.

Barb Buchanan

Cedar Rapids