Women’s Health

By Claudia Wright

I believe that the federal government must assist states in providing high quality child care for parents who cannot afford this care by themselves.

I believe that every woman should have access to primary care to prevent unwanted pregnancies through contraception and education.  In this century, every child should have the birthright of knowing that they were wanted.

I believe that we need education and screenings to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and that everyone should have access to these screening even when she or he cannot afford it.  The rapid spread of these diseases among the teen population could render our children sterile when they are ready to have children of their own.

I believe that it is every woman’s right to make her decision about birth control and pregnancy and that this decision should be between the woman and her healthcare providers and loved ones.  Access to contraception must be insured and supported.

The federal government involvement in reproductive rights affects women of the most personal level.    In thirty-one years of teaching high school, I have witnessed ,first hand all of the scenarios arising from unwanted pregnancies played out in the lives of young women and men.  None of the options are acceptable, all have a price.  Our children need to be care for, educated, and women need to be free to make their own, individual decisions without interference.

Because these issues are pressing, I believe that voters have a right to know how I feel about them.