To the editor:

In response to Ms. Zalesky’s letter entitled, “No joy in Harris’ target issue,” she writes that abortion is all about death.

I hope the letter writer will realize for other families, abortion can preserve life as it did for my daughter. The experience of my daughter’s pregnancies and the choices our family had to make have shown me the importance of safe and accessible abortion protocols. My daughter’s life was at risk during her second pregnancy, and the option of a safe abortion not only saved her life but also allowed her to have a healthy pregnancy and birth later on.

Individuals and families must retain the freedom to make these difficult decisions based on their unique circumstances, with the support of their trusted medical professionals and their own beliefs. Government restrictions on reproductive care not only infringe upon this freedom but also have negative implications for a mother’s life and therefore, our state’s economy and workforce.

Limiting access to reproductive care can drive young couples away from Florida, hampering the growth of our workforce and economy. Additionally, imposing invasive screening requirements before emergency female care can discourage tourists from choosing Florida as a vacation destination, leading to a decrease in tourist income for the state.

Furthermore, the rise of abortion restrictions in the 1970s was driven by political agendas rather than genuine concern for the well-being of families and individuals. These restrictions are not rooted in biblical law, and they have no place in dictating personal and family decisions.

I urge policymakers to recognize the importance of allowing individuals and families to make their own reproductive health decisions in consultation with their healthcare providers and to refrain from imposing unnecessary restrictions.

It’s time to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of individuals and families in our state.

Karyn Edison

Fort Myers