Real lives

Regarding “Women at risk” (Page A12, Jan. 13), Texas experienced a dramatic and sudden spike in pregnancy-related deaths in 2011, according to the September issue of Obstetrics and Gynocology. The spike correlated to the state slashing of funds for women’s health clinics, nearly doubling maternal deaths, and is in stark contrast to the other 49 states.

By reducing family planning funds by 66 percent women’s access to health clinics was reduced by half, as the cuts forced 82 family planning clinics to close. Low-income women in particular had less access to birth control, thus resulting in more babies born into poverty. Multiple studies have shown that poverty is cyclical, so the conclusion can be made that many of these children will grow up needing assistance from the state and federal government. How can anyone believe this legislation is prudent? This is not a political issue, but a human and a financial issue.

Barbara Kinsey, Pearland