1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

Oppose the introduction of S. 951, the Stop Comstock Act, that aims to repeal the 1873 Comstock Act. As we know, mifepristone is incredibly safe (safer than Tylenol!), FDA approved, and used for the majority of abortion care, so banning access to these pills is effectively banning abortion nationwide. Misusing an antiquated law like the Comstock Act to ban abortion nationwide is the anti-abortion extremist playbook. Access to safe and legal abortion options, including medication like mifepristone, ensures that individuals can make decisions best suited to their personal circumstances and health needs. As someone who has experienced the foster care system firsthand, I am deeply concerned about the implications of restrictive abortion laws on both women and children. The foster care system is already burdened, with over 400,000 children in care as of 2023, many awaiting permanent homes. Increasing the number of children in foster care without adequate resources can strain the system further, potentially impacting the quality of care and support these children receive. Moreover, the US continues to face significant challenges in maternal healthcare. In 2023, the maternal mortality rate was 18.6 deaths per 100,000 live births, a decrease from 22.3 in 2022. However, this rate remains unacceptably high compared to other developed nations. Notably, Black women are disproportionately affected, with a maternal mortality rate of 50.3 per 100,000 live births in 2023, more than three times that of white women. These statistics highlight systemic issues within our healthcare system that require urgent attention. Rather than enacting laws that limit reproductive choices, I believe we should focus on improving maternal healthcare, addressing disparities, and ensuring that all individuals have access to comprehensive reproductive health services. Additionally, circumstances such as rape, incest, or cases involving non-viable fetuses present complex ethical and emotional challenges. Legislative bodies should not impose one-size-fits-all solutions but should respect the nuanced realities that individuals face. While I respect the pro-life stance, I believe that personal beliefs should not dictate public policy in a pluralistic society. The role of government should be to protect individual freedoms and rights, including the right to make decisions about one's own reproductive health. Restricting access to abortion does not eliminate the need for it but rather drives it underground, potentially endangering lives and infringing on personal liberties. In conclusion, I urge you to consider the broader implications of restrictive abortion laws on our healthcare system, the foster care system, and individual freedoms. Comprehensive sex education, accessible contraception, and robust maternal healthcare are essential components of a society that truly values and protects all human life.