Planned Parenthood

Regarding “Vote lets states withhold federal funds from Planned Parenthood” (Page A13, Friday), our leaders engage in abuse. Vice President Mike Pence and fellow Republicans just took action that is hurtful to the 2.5 million people who use Planned Parenthood services each year.

• Is it hurtful to force a woman to have an unwanted child because she couldn’t obtain contraceptives?

• Is it hurtful to children to be accidentally conceived by parents who cannot care and support them?

• Is it hurtful for a woman to be denied a test to detect cancer or HIV?

• Is it hurtful to people who are deprived of the opportunity for sex education?

What would we call any action that is hurtful to so many women who cannot protect themselves? Chances are we would call it “abuse.” Why don’t we label this for what it is?

Laury Adams, Houston