Kim Reynolds sells out gender for votes

We and Gov. Kim Reynolds are citizens of Iowa, voters and women. The similarities stop, however, with the understanding of what the 72-hour abortion waiting period is really about.

To insinuate that women do not 'really think about that or … get some counseling or … talk about the options that are available …” ('Reynolds: Ruling signals ‘heartbeat' law hurdles,” June 30) is an affront to all women. Whether or not Reynolds supports abortion, a law that dictates gender-specific terms is a dangerous slope. This sort of narrative stems from an overtly sexist mind-set that states we as woman are thoughtless and incapable of making decisions on our own without government intervention.

The 72-hour waiting period reaches far past the issue of abortion and into the issue of gender equality. I understand that Gov. Reynolds needs the votes of her party to get re-elected. But as women, it's insulting, degrading and extremely offensive to be maligned by another woman. Further, when that very woman is our governor, my displeasure at this behavior turns into a deep apprehension for the direction of our state and the lives of our female citizens. For Gov. Reynolds to state that women need an additional three days to 'think over” a decision is an insult to all women.

Regardless of your political, religious or personal beliefs on abortion, all Iowa women should consider Gov. Reynold's words to be exactly what they are - selling out our gender for votes.

Nanci Young

Madeline Young

Zoey Young

Cedar Rapids