ULTRASOUND: Not GOP's business

This is an open letter to our “North Idaho Team” of Sen. Bob Nonini, Sen. Jim Hammond and Rep. Frank Henderson.

Once again the Republican dominated Idaho Legislature is falling into lockstep with the national Republican agenda that has existed since the 2010 congressional elections.

First the assault on unions and collective bargaining, then restricting voting rights by requiring approved federal or state ID in order to vote for the first time. Reportedly to stamp out the existence of oh so un-rampant voter fraud.

Now along with Virginia, Texas and other Republican dominated states, a bill requiring a mandated medically unnecessary ultrasound prior to a woman exercising her right to choose to have a legal abortion has passed a Senate committee. The bill will head to the full Senate for a vote next week.

This, from Republicans who purport to be in favor of smaller, less intrusive government. Now they are inserting themselves into a decision and a procedure that should be between only a woman and her physician. In some cases invasive transvaginal ultrasounds could be required in order to determine the age of the fetus in early pregnancy. Talk about intrusive.

Ladies, in spite of your beliefs regarding abortion, I urge you to contact your congressional representatives and tell them to stay out of your private issues and parts.

Even if you are past the age of childbearing, think of your granddaughters, nieces, etc., who could find themselves in the position of making the unpleasant decision to end a pregnancy due to rape or danger to the woman’s life. Please do not remain silent on this important issue.

TERRI WHITE

Post Falls