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Tiana Williams
Professor Williams
Composition 1
November 10, 2016
Letter to the Editor
Womens Rights: Its Time to Stand Up!
Dear Arkansas Gazette,
Womens rights are a social taboo in conservative Arkansas, but we shouldnt ignore them.
Growing up in a pro-life state, I always knew that the views of many Arkansans regarding my
constitutionally protected reproductive rights differed from mine. Many like-minded women are
shamed into silence. While the cost of supporting this cause, whether social ostracism or attacks
on our character, are high, our reward is gaining control of our constitutional rights.
The 14th Amendment protects a woman's right to an abortion. However, laws passed after this
ruling disincentive free exercise of this right. For example, in Arkansas the informed consent
law requires any doctor to give women considering abortion necessary information. However,
the website with this necessary information includes controversial facts and unconfirmed
statistics directly from abortion opponents.
These facts manipulate young, uninformed women out of having abortions. Anyone under 18
wouldnt be able to get an abortion on their own anyway, and would struggle to find a clinic that
provides our constitutional rights.
In 2011, 96 percent of Arkansas counties lacked abortion clinics, and all of those clinics required
a waiting period of 72 hours. Imagine a 72-hour waiting period on your constitutional rights.
In other news, thanks to the Obama Administration women will still be able to access the birth
control they need to plan their families, and cancer screenings they need to stay healthy. With the
stroke of his pen, President Obama permanently protects Planned Parenthood. While there are
improvements in todays society, there will always be obstacles set in place for all women.
As a young woman, I worry about my future. If we lose the right to our own bodies, whats next?
This is where standing up for the cause becomes about more than just abortion. It becomes about
whether or not states will have the power to take away the constitutional rights of women.
Warm Regards,
Tiana N. Williams