No one in Utah likes government overreach, especially the Legislature.
Recently, lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment in response to a Utah Supreme Court decision they believe took away their power to erase ballot initiatives passed by the voters of Utah.
They did it because they felt the Supreme Court had overstepped its role.
But do these same legislators understand the numerous attempts to ban abortion and restrict women’s access to reproductive health care are just another form of government overreach?
Do Utah’s GOP politicians understand that putting themselves in the exam room — directly between a doctor and their patient is viewed as another legislative power grab?
A poll in late 2023, revealed 64% of likely voters were convinced decisions about abortion should be left to women, their faith, their community and their doctors, instead of Utah politicians. This includes 50% of very active members of the LDS faith.
Most Utahns, including many Republicans and self-described conservatives do not want politicians inserting themselves in these very personal and private decisions.
My sense is our legislators are good people who need to hear from their women constituents that they disagree, and they may consider abortion differently.
A question to ask each member of the Legislature: Can any legislator name a single instance where the Legislature has passed a law where a man is told what he can or cannot do with his own body? I do not believe there will be an affirmative answer to the question.
Women of Utah, it’s important you vote for politicians who will support women’s health care and reproductive rights.
Jim Pigg, Park City