EDITOR:

I am writing regarding the October 18 Daily Press coverage of the League of Women voters forum with the state senate candidates.

On Proposal 3, Dave Prestin was quoted as saying “What alarms me on Proposal 3 is it is going to strip parents of all of their rights regarding parental consent, overseeing their children on reproductive rights, sex change operations, puberty blockers, …”

The Press article then corrected his statement, saying “Proposal 3 does not mention minor children, gender affirming surgeries or puberty blockers.”

If you read the Proposal, it does not mention minor children, nor does it mention adults. It specifically says “individual”, which includes anyone, any age. It also specifically mentions contraception and sterilization.

Reading further, Proposal 3 would “prohibit prosecution of an individual, or a person helping a pregnant individual, for exercising rights established by this amendment”. So, if someone is injured or killed during an abortion, prosecution is prohibited?

And the final line, Proposal 3 would “Invalidate state laws conflicting with this amendment.” Notice it does not specify what laws would be invalidated. Does a law requiring parental consent conflict? How about laws requiring safety inspections of abortion clinics, or laws requiring only doctors perform abortions? The list is open to interpretation…

I am not in favor of abortion, but even if you are, please read the language of this proposal before you vote. This is a proposal to change the constitution of our state and you should fully understand it before voting.

Rose E Potvin

Bark River