Bentz abortion views ‘extreme’

Rep. Cliff Bentz supports Idaho’s extreme abortion ban that is dangerous to women.

Idaho’s law has the only exception to save the “life” of the mother. Not the “health” of the mother. The law criminalizes doctors, forcing them to choose between prison and the care of their patients.

Bentz submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging elimination of federal protections provided by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. EMTALA requires stabilizing medical care for the patient. Instead, Cliff Bentz would require women to be on death’s door before receiving medically necessary abortion care.

I had a second trimester miscarriage. I began bleeding profusely. I was frightened, in pain and did not fully understand what was happening to me. Fortunately, compassionate ER doctors and nurses explained that I was losing the pregnancy and required a surgical abortion (D&C) to stop the bleeding.

Mr. Bentz would deny my compassionate care. He would send me home to wait for things to get worse; alone, confused and afraid. Since I was not yet on death’s door, Republicans would force me to suffer and nearly die rather than receive timely abortion care.

Cliff Bentz is against reproductive freedom for Oregonians. He is actively fighting for a nationwide ban. He has signed a fetal personhood bill which would eliminate IVF, as well ban all abortions.

I urge every constituent to call Cliff Bentz at 541-776-4646. Tell him that his extreme anti-abortion views do not represent you.

Debra Koutnik, MD / Ashland

‘Tough love’ not the answer

A recent Letter to the Editor, while recommending mental health support for the homeless, referenced “tough love” and twice suggested that they not be given any food.

This is far more draconian than criminalizing and arresting them. At least in jail they would be fed.

It’s astonishing to think that there are people in our valley who think that the solution to the homelessness crisis includes starving them.

John Rose / Ashland

School librarians a vital resource

I’m a retired school librarian, having worked several years at Ashland High School before joining AmeriCorps to coordinate its ASPIRE program. I’ve also been a strong supporter of public and academic librarians, knowing their positive impact on a free and engaged community.

I am shocked and dismayed that the Ashland and Medford school districts are considering dropping these vital positions. I understand the loss of students and revenue, but school librarians have a unique relationship with students and staff.

I can count many students who developed love of reading and inquiry and devotion to community through their relationship with an engaged school librarian. And the teachers were helped in finding accurate and reliable resources.

Librarian Matt Damon explained it well. At one time, Ashland had professional librarians in each school. Now, Matt will be the sole librarian for all students grades K-5, and there will be no certified librarians in grades 6-12.

I am one of many who would think twice before bringing children up in a community without school librarians.

Ann Magill / Ashland

Compassionate public employees

On April 23, I saw a woman who had apparently overdosed lying behind the Medford Post Office. I brought her condition to the attention of the postal employees, and one of the postal officers immediately came to her aid.

He administered Narcan and called the police. The police arrived in less than 10 minutes, and a Mercy Flights ambulance was right behind. The police officer caringly asked the woman what she had taken and when and assured her they would help her.

I am proud and grateful to be a member of this community where our public employees are responsive, competent and compassionate.

Phyllis Douglas / Medford