Streetvoice	Attack on Women's Rights? by Ken Ilgunas

The Buffalo News has recently reported that nearly 30 percent of pregnancies in Erie County result in abortion, ranking seventh among all New York counties. With the possibility of a conservative taking Justice O’Connor’s position on the Supreme Court, the plastic on this hot-button issue has melted in a political firestorm. Bush has appeased his right-wing critics with his nomination of U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Samuel Alito, whose conservative record has Democrats wishing Harriet Miers was still an option. The Supreme Court nominee has a history of pro-life decisions; one of which upheld a Pennsylvania law forcing women to notify their husbands of planned abortions. The confirmation of Alito could very well give the Court a majority to declare abortions unconstitutional, affecting thousands of Buffalo women and millions of Americans. Do you think conservatives will succeed in undermining women’s right to choose? What rights does the father have in this debate?

(photo: Ken Ilgunas)

Name: Ray Lewis

Residence: Buffalo

Occupation: Machinist

Do you consider yourself pro-life or pro-choice? Why? I’m neutral with that. It’s the freedom of the individual and it’s their responsibility. It’s like an independent thing for me. I’m pro and con with that. I do understand as far as people saying, “Oh you’re killing the fetus,” and all this stuff. I understand all that. But I believe it’s up to females. Whatever they want to do, they have the right.

Is Buffalo’s 30-percent abortion rate too high? What other methods should be promoted to avoid unwanted pregnancies? Continue to promote safe sex, especially to the youth. That’s very important with teenagers to make sure that they have possibilities. I don’t want babies having babies. We should emphasize safe sex to the fullest. As far as the older generation, whatever they decide.

Do you think a woman’s “right to choose” is at risk in today’s political climate? I think you shouldn’t lose the right to choose. But could we? Anything’s possible.

Do you think that a husband/significant other should have a say as to whether a woman should receive an abortion? Of course he should have a say. But the female should have the final decision. And the husband or the significant other just needs to accept her decision.

(photo: Ken Ilgunas)

Name: Mary Russo

Residence: Amherst

Occupation: Attorney

Do you consider yourself pro-life or pro-choice? Why? Pro-choice. Because, as a woman, it’s important to me.

Is Buffalo’s 30-percent abortion rate too high? What other methods should be promoted to avoid unwanted pregnancies? I don’t think women are having abortions too frequently. I think they have them when they need them. I think they should use other methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies. But when it happens, fortunately they have the choice. I think it’s the woman’s right to choose. It’s her body, and too many unwanted children are brought into this world.

Do you think a woman’s “right to choose” is at risk in today’s political climate? I do think a conservative judge being appointed to replace O’Connor is a risk.

Do you think that a husband/significant other should have a say as to whether a woman should receive an abortion? I don’t think a husband should have any say.

(photo: Ken Ilgunas)

Name: Genova Johnson

Residence: Buffalo

Occupation: Social Welfare Examiner

Do you consider yourself pro-life or pro-choice? Why? Pro-choice.

Is Buffalo’s 30-percent abortion rate too high? What other methods should be promoted to avoid unwanted pregnancies? That I don’t know. It depends on the situation. I really don’t think young children should have babies period. No sex until you’re over 21.

Do you think a woman’s “right to choose” is at risk in today’s political climate? Yes.

Do you think that a husband/significant other should have a say as to whether a woman should receive an abortion? It should be wholly up to the woman.