Manitowoc letter-writer on a 'kinder, gentler path' on abortion in this week’s letter to the editor

Here are this week’s letters to the editor of the Herald Times Reporter. See our letters policy below for details about how to share your views.

We could choose a 'kinder, gentler path' on abortion

At first, it may appear those who support a woman’s right to choose compared to those who are anti-abortion are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Often, those who support a woman’s right to choose are accused of “liking abortion” and being “baby killers.” Personally, I do not know of anyone who likes abortion.

Passing laws against abortion may lower the number of abortions, but it will not end abortion. Perhaps, both sides would be willing to set their anger aside and talk things over. Both sides may even be surprised to find they share the same goal – to reduce the number of abortions. Maybe, the only true disagreement is in the different paths each side chooses to take in reaching that goal.

Passing laws against abortion is not the solution to abortion. It appears rather insensitive to pass laws against abortion while at the same time doing little to nothing to address its root causes. Since pregnancy happens to women, and women are too often seen as second class, it is no wonder that finding real, lasting solutions takes a back seat.

A harsh and more restrictive path to end abortion is the one that our country currently seems to be taking. Instead, we could choose to take a kinder, gentler path – a path that would require more time, hard work and patience. It would also be one that would have a lifelong, lasting, positive effect for today’s generation and for all generations to come.

This different path is education. Teach girls self-esteem, confidence and healthy relationship-building. Provide girls the skills needed to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Education, provided we are not afraid or reluctant to use it, can be both a powerful and compassionate tool.

Sharon Koob

Two Rivers

Our letters policy

Letters to the editor are published in the order in which they are received and letter-writers are limited to having one letter published per month. Letters can be emailed to htrnews@htrnews.com and Editor Brandon Reid at breid@gannett.com. Letters must meet specific guidelines, including being no more than 250 words and be from local authors or on topics of local interest. All submissions must include the name of the person who wrote the letter, their city of residence and a contact phone number. Letters are edited as needed for style, grammar, length, fairness, accuracy and libel.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc letter to the editor on kinder, gentler approach on abortion