I applaud Eric Zorn for recognizing that Gov. George Ryan sent a clear message when he vetoed House Bill 709, that Medicaid-funded abortions should be available to poor women who face health risks from carrying a pregnancy to term (“Ryan sees through phantoms raised in abortion debate,” Metro, June 15). Simply put, it is a health issue.
Gov. Ryan’s decision was both courageous and compassionate. He wholeheartedly acknowledges that the government’s role is to protect our most vulnerable citizens–poor women. And when those citizens are faced with critical health decisions, under the advice of their doctor, the best medical care should be available to them.The implication that Gov. Ryan is using this issue to gain public support for a possible 2002 re-election campaign is neither founded nor pragmatic.
