Senate has abandoned women of our state

I am a 17-year-old girl. My life is hectic, to say the least. I am a senior in high school, going to school eight hours a day, working a part-time job, involved in clubs and juggling my social life. I am applying for colleges and scholarships and planning for the next chapter of my life.

This March, the Iowa State Senate passed a law that banned abortions after a heartbeat is detected during a pregnancy, which can be as early as six weeks. When I imagine myself in a situation where I was forced to carry a life that I wasn't ready for, it terrifies me. I am still a kid who is trying to learn how to take care of myself. I am nowhere near financially or responsibly ready to have a child. Even if I were to give the child up for adoption, I can't afford the time off from school or work, if I want to compete with other kids my age.

It is scary to live in a state that doesn't value a woman's right to choose when she is ready to start a family. And 'she” is a very important part of the equation. Both men and women are responsible for pregnancy, yet the consequences fall only to the women. Women should have the same freedoms, options and opportunities as men. The senate has abandoned the women of our state and they will come to regret that in November.

Regan Smock

Coggon