I am writing today in regards to the article, “Planned parenthood vows to keep clinics open” (page A1, Jan. 13 Bremerton Patriot).

This politicization of reproductive rights is, unfortunately, very polarizing. You may be morally opposed to abortion, but the idea of an overreaching government telling anyone what to do with their future is truly frightening. It seems that there can be no middle ground. But, I believe that there is a middle ground.

I want to propose a new statewide bill that would help curb the use of medications for erectile dysfunction. We should have a 24-hour waiting period before allowing a Viagra prescription to be dispensed (to ensure the men understand the side effects), require yearly cardiac stress tests (to ensure the men are physically capable of sexual intercourse), and attend counseling sessions (to promote celibacy as an alternative).

This bill would be absurd and would not make it past any committee, unless, of course, the committee has a female majority.

Planned Parenthood should be seen for what it is: a medical clinic that serves so many purposes beyond abortion. We now have affordable intrauterine devices that can offer six years of reliable birth control. If a young person gets pregnant and does not have insurance, the cost to the taxpayer is approximately $10,000 (just for the the prenatal care and delivery), assuming no complications.

I would be willing to discuss the taxpayer costs to the reproductive rights for women, as long as we talk about the rights for men as well.

Shannon O’Connell

Bremerton