There were some key facts missing from the Sunday editorial, "Low-income women in the middle of healthcare fight."
More than 50 health centers in Texas have already closed due to funding cuts to women's healthcare. None of these centers performed abortions, and only 12 were run by Planned Parenthood. These clinics provided nonabortion services including pap smears, breast checks and birth control to women who can't afford private care.Many more clinics are expected to close by year's end, and the cuts made during the 2011 state legislative session will affect roughly 160,000 women a year.Gov. Perry says the state will start its own Women's Health Program without federal dollars. Really?The federal money is available and on the table, and isn't the state already strapped for cash? Is this realistic? Won't the lack of healthcare services and birth control to women increase the number of unplanned pregnancies?Let's be responsible and continue to take care of women across our state.-- Beth Runyon Gideon, Fort WorthHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
