I am writing in response to the column, "Abortion has negative effects on mother and father, not just unborn" SN (2/3). In the article, Mark Myers addresses the "often overlooked" aspect of the impact that abortion has on women.

The tone of revelation expressed in the article is appalling. It has never been the stance of the pro-choice majority that abortions, or reproductive choices of any kind, occur in a vacuum. Nor has the decision to have an abortion been presented as a way to "improve" the situation of facing an unintended pregnancy. Reproductive health decisions are personal decisions that affect each of us.

Being pro-choice means recognizing that each individual has the integrity, intelligence and judgment to make and take responsibility for personal decisions - including a decision to carry a pregnancy to term, to raise a child, give a child up for adoption or choose an abortion. Moreover, while Stephanie Butler may have grown to regret her choice, it was still her choice to make.

Additionally, the claim that having an abortion increases the risk of breast cancer has been refuted by the American Cancer Society, along with all other nationally recognized cancer organizations. Every medical procedure comes with risks that must be disclosed, however minor.

Rather than resorting to scare tactics and misinformation to deter women from exercising their constitutionally protected rights, perhaps we should all be focusing on preventing unintended pregnancies.

With access to contraceptives and comprehensive sexuality education, we could reduce the need for abortions.

Jamie Courter
history and political science senior