Opinions: Letters to the editor about healthcare cost and reproductive rights

A sample of reader opinions sent to us in the closing weeks of the election.

Letter to the Editor: Rep. John James’ extreme abortion stance threatens women’s health

As a young mom and nurse, I am deeply concerned about Rep. John James’ extreme record on abortion rights. His position isn’t just out of step with our community’s values—it’s dangerous for women like me who need access to essential healthcare.

James has made it clear that he opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest, a stance he shared publicly in 2018 when he went so far as to compare abortion to “genocide.” Such extreme rhetoric not only lacks empathy for women facing incredibly difficult circumstances, but it also disregards the complex realities we face.

In Congress, James has doubled down on his anti-abortion agenda, voting against the Women’s Health Protection Act, which sought to protect a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions. He also supported restricting access to mifepristone, a safe and commonly prescribed medication for abortion. As a nurse, I know firsthand how crucial it is for women to have access to a full range of healthcare options, including medication that can be life-saving in certain situations.

The bottom line is that Rep. James’s radical views and voting record are a direct threat to the health and safety of women in Michigan. We need leaders who will fight to protect our rights, not ones who push policies that put women’s lives at risk.

Sincerely,
Marie Adkins, RN
Warren, MI

Letter to the Editor: Hillary Scholten’s work on affordable insulin brings relief to western Michiganders 

As a retired teacher who has lived in Western Michigan for the past 35 years, I know what it means to work hard and make sacrifices. As a diabetic, I rely on insulin to manage my condition. Before Hillary Scholten helped pass legislation capping the cost of insulin, I was spending an average of $1,446 a year on my diabetes medication.

Thanks to the new $35 monthly cap on insulin for Medicare recipients, I’m finally getting a bit of relief. Scholten’s dedication to creating more opportunities and affordable healthcare for hardworking families like mine is making a real difference. This legislation is a step toward ensuring that diabetics like me don’t have to choose between our health and other essential expenses.

Hillary Scholten’s commitment to serving our community and advocating for policies that truly benefit everyday Michiganders is what sets her apart. We need leaders who prioritize our community’s well-being over big pharmaceutical companies’ interests, and Hillary Scholten has proven to be just that kind of leader.

Pam Bloink,
Western Michigan