Rotarians heard two distinguished speakers, 8th Congressional District Representative Dr. Kim Schrier and ACLU Policy Counsel Leah Rutman, say government should not be making decisions that should be made between a woman and her doctor. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade (or a constitutional right to an abortion), several states have outright banned abortions or severely restricted them. As a result, abortion providers in Washington State expect a 385% increase in abortion procedures.
Dr. Schrier who is up for re-election is committed to women’s reproductive rights and a woman’s right to choose. “The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is a big threat to women,” she said. “Children now have fewer rights than their mothers or even grandmothers.”
The ACLU’s Leah Rutman agreed explaining how the court found that Roe v. Wade failed the constitutional test stated in the 14th Amendment. “The court’s ruling will make abortions less safe, impact people of color and younger women,” she said. The ruling will empower states to ban abortions and/or create barriers such as insurance, waiting periods and required counseling.
The court’s decision is unpopular said Dr. Schrier, and the only female pediatrician in Congress. “A vast majority of Americans opposed the court’s decision to overturn Roe as it impedes a woman’s right to make their own healthcare decisions,” she said. “The topic is nuanced, complicated and very personal.”
Speaking of politics, Dr. Schrier hoped the Congress would remain in Democrat hands following the mid-term elections where Republicans are poised or predicted to win majorities in the House and Senate. Should the Republicans take the majority in Congress, we could see a national ban on abortions.
While religion certainly plays a part in the abortion debate, and healthcare systems managed by religious organizations will not perform abortions, both speakers agreed that it has become more political than religious.
As the only pro-choice woman doctor in the House, Dr. Schrier says “the last thing we need is another government mandate and one that so impacts women”.
President Beth opened the meeting promptly at 12:30 p.m. at the Westin and on Zoom, followed by Virginia McKenzie for the day’s song, ‘What a Wonderful World’ accompanied by Freeman Fong. Nancy Cahill offered the day’s inspiration.
Past president Kim Moore came to the podium with the solemn news of past president Todd Summerfeld’s terminal cancer diagnosis. To show encouragement for Todd and his family during this difficult time, she directed Rotarians to the Word Cloud application (www.menti.com – code 62396958) where only three words can be used to describe Todd’s energy, enthusiasm and goodwill.
President Beth asked her ‘Prince of Programs’, Ken Grant, to tease Rotarians about next week’s meeting that will feature his friend from Edmonds, Sheri Storm, of Category6 consulting who will talk about how to be more productive, and happy. The meeting will be held at our favorite second home, the Rainier Club, he said.
Thanks to meeting reporter Pete DeLaunay for this week's report!