Women up to the decision
My first reaction upon hearing and reading “Pope eases policy on forgiving abortion (Sept. 2)” was “it’s about time.” However, the more I reflect on it, the more upset I’ve become. Why one year? Why not condone women making their own reproductive health care decisions, like any other health care decision, forever? Why not make it a non-issue?
The Pope admits it’s “an agonizing and painful decision.” But women are up to it. They make agonizing and painful decisions all the time regarding money, housing and day-to-day life. And I suspect that choosing to terminate a pregnancy may not always be agonizing and painful, for example, to a married woman with four kids who already knows that her family cannot afford a fifth. God knows the planet doesn’t lack for a shortage of people.
I think she’s being responsible, and it’s no one’s decision but hers.
Marilynne Wilson
Spokane