Defunding Planned Parenthood is wrong

To the editor:

I am disgusted at Gov. Terry Branstad's decision to pursue funding cuts for Planned Parenthood.

What many are failing to take into account are the thousands of Iowa young people, myself included, who were victims of rape, molestation and the like, growing up. I cannot imagine what long-term emotional, physical and financial effects having to carry a product of rape to full term, or even begin to fathom what my life would be like if I was forced to raise a child at 10, 12 or 14.

The fact is, state and federal funding does not go toward the act of abortion, it goes toward preventive measures. Please, do not stop women and young families from pursuing medical treatment and care. This is beyond ignorant to defund women's health centers and a step in the wrong direction for the state.

Emily Felton

Monticello