Speak up for pro-choice

A friend called me last night to ask, “What can we do about Alabama?’’

He wanted to mail coat hangers to the Alabama legislators who voted to put abortion providers and women in prison. Actually, I replied, there are quite a few things we can do.

First, service. Volunteer as a clinic escort. I did this for years. It was certainly an education and I felt I was really helping. Contribute to a Women’s Emergency Fund that helps women and girls who cannot afford their abortion care or their travel expenses.

Next, speak up. Women need to tell people what we know; what we, our mothers, sisters, or friends have experienced. We need to learn the medical facts. Challenge the lies of unscrupulous, womanhating politicians and clergy.

We do need to be gentle with sincere opponents, usually women, who may be speaking from experience or may not know the medical facts.

Bottom line, we who support abortion rights are the majority. We cannot afford to be silent. Where abortion is illegal and women take desperate measures, women die.

Shirley Herman, West Palm Beach