Letter: Closing Planned Parenthood is shortsighted

It seems shortsighted that there's this big push in state and national government to get rid of Planned Parenthood. The main push to stop abortions is being led by state and federal legislators - mostly male. These people need to understand that for some women Planned Parenthood is their only access for obtaining service for their gynecological health needs. It is likely not for an abortion. It could well be for Pap smears to detect cervical cancer and be treated early to prevent spread to the reproductive and urinary systems. Or, learning how to do self-breast exams monthly to check for lumps and getting a mammogram. Or for counseling on how to prevent an unplanned pregnancy in the first place.

Why take the chance of shutting down such a service and have a woman get cervical, uterine or breast cancer because they can't afford to go anywhere else? Or risk having a baby that the woman knows she can't properly care for? The whole idea is wrong and completely illogical. Remember, too, there are many more male legislators than female ones who decide the fate of women in need of care.

Bobbie Paxton

Iowa City