Rep. Deb Sanderson, R-Chelsea, wrote a column, “Abortion clinics only outpatient facilities without state oversight,” May 11, in which she decries the fact that women are not trusting her oh-so-innocently-intended bill (L.D. 1312) that would change the law regarding abortion clinics. “Abortion proponents don’t need to be concerned as long as the clinics operate under the same rules as every other outpatient surgical facility,” she said. Right.

“It’s amazing the facts one can glean from actually reading the bill,” she said. Right again.

So let’s see what the bill actually does say: “E. The department shall adopt rules, which are major substantive rules as described in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A, identifying the conditions under which a surgical abortion facility license may be granted, conditioned or denied. These rules must include licensing fees” (emphasis mine).

Now why would any woman have cause to doubt the word of a Republican regarding issues of reproductive choice?

While Sanderson tries to shift attention by singling out Karen Heck for misinformation, maybe she might want to apply for the Miss Information title herself.

L.D. 1312 is an anti-choice bill, pure and simple. I urge people who are pro-choice to call their legislators now.

Maggie Ricker

Augusta