An effective response

As a lifetime Republican who believes in the sanctity of life in the womb, I prayed for wisdom as I drove to the polls in 2016.

Should I vote for (1) a candidate who would appoint a pro-life judge, but cut affordable health care, Medicaid expansion, CHIP, SNAP, WIC, child-care vouchers, housing vouchers, preschool, public education, free lunches and after-school programs, debt-free higher education, and oppose a minimum-wage increase? Or should I vote for (2) a candidate who would help a woman facing a crisis pregnancy through programs that would offer her child a fighting chance to succeed in life?

Nearing the polls, it became clear to me that Democratic policies don’t force anyone to have an abortion, but they do make it possible for a woman in a crisis pregnancy to have her baby, and to raise the child without fear of poverty. For the first time in my life, I voted Democrat. The most common reason both married and single women give for having an abortion is that they “can’t afford the baby.” What’s more, abortion rates decline during Democratic administrations, but rise with Republican policies. Two other facts shouldn’t surprise anyone: Sex education reduces abortion rates, and so does providing access to birth control.

In order to reduce abortion rates, we have to vote for health care that provides neonatal services, as well as birth control; for a wage increase; and a safety net. Helping is not only the compassionate response, but also the effective one. Let’s vote Democrat! JANE RAMPONA

Little Rock