Family planning needs protection | Letters | March 11

Published 4:08 pm Thursday, March 10, 2011

I am aware state spending per person, adjusted for inflation, is at its lowest level since 1986. We can’t keep cutting essential safety-net programs and maintain our quality of life here.

As a member of the Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington Board, I know we need to protect necessary programs like family planning and maternity support services.

Family planning is good for our budget as research shows it actually saves the state money by preventing unintended pregnancies, cancer and illness.

Cutting family planningis vital health care for women and will only result in greater costs. None of us should be willing to trade corporate tax breaks for services that keep women and children healthy.

It’s clear from the public reaction that the U.S. House went too far when it cut funding for successful programs and institutions, like Title X and Planned Parenthood, which millions of low-income women rely on.

I hope our state legislature can find a more balanced, sensible approach to dealing with the budget.

Patsy Campbell

Bainbridge island