Senator's Push to Preserve N.S.A.Phone Surveillance

1) http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/us/politics/senators-push-to-preserve-nsa-phone-surveillance.html?ref=todayspaper

2) Category of problem: Social/Government 

3) Level of problem: National

4) The article concerns: The line between national security, and invasion of the privacy of the people in the Nation, the regards to the N.S.A Surveillance that was recently publicly leaked.  Senator Dianne Feinstein's bill would be aimed at increasing peoples privacy and monitoring what the government is able to see. 

5) How does it affect individuals/families? It affects the privacy of the people in our nation and poses the question of whether or not our government is going too far by monitoring its people.

6) What are your opinions on the issue? After all of the horrible and tragic events that have taken place in the past year, it's hard to have a straight arrow opinion on the batter of whether or not I feel the government has too big of a hand in our privacy by monitoring our lives, basically. As weird as it is knowing that the government screens basically anything I do online or on anything that requires technology, It's nice knowing someone is looking out for you, but if you really think about it, the government has been doing this for quite a while. Maybe not to this extent, but our technology was already being monitored at the time of all of these tragedies our country has faced, and all the people involved had to have used some form of technological communication. Why didn't the government step in then and do something about the situation before it was too late? If they're monitoring our every move, where exactly are they, and what are they really doing with all of this information that they've been gathering on all of us? I'm all for the government monitoring what we do and look up, as long as they're actually doing something about it when someone is about to endanger other people's lives. I understand the push for a bill to protect our privacy, just because the whole "big brother" thing is a little unnerving, but at the same time, someone has to do it, in my opinion, I think it all comes down to our government communicating with us so we feel like we are more apart of these decisions and less like Guinea pigs. 

Exxon to Offer Benefits to Same-Sex Couples

1) http://www.statesman.com/ap/ap/labor/exxon-to-offer-benefits-to-same-sex-couples-in-us/nZ85k/

2) Category of problem: Social 

3) Level of problem: National

4) The article concerns: Sam-sex couples receiving proper and equal health benefits in their workplace 

5) How does it affect individuals/families? It allows legally married sam-sex couples to receive health care benefits in there work place. His or her spouse will be eligible for benefits with Exxon in the U.S. as of October 1st of this year.

6) What are your opinions on the issue? I believe that Exxon is making the right decision to offer benefits to legally married same-sex couples who work for their company, and I feel like more big and small named companies should follow in their foot steps. It is ridiculous for same-sex couple who have the same relationships or better relationships that heterosexual couples to not receive the proper benefits simple because they are a same-sex couple. It's great to see companies make changes to fit the needs of their employees for the sake of their employees, not based on who they go home to. My only concern with this article and the company, is that Exxon has been criticized for declining to offer same-sex benefits or explicitly ban discrimination against gay and transgender workers at a time when many other big companies, including rival oil companies, have done so. But at the same time, you have to consider the fact that they have obviously changed their policies and are currently on the path to help, not hurt their employees. According to the article, in a ranking this year of corporate anti-discrimination policies to protect gay, lesbian and transgender workers by the Human Rights Campaign, a national gay-rights group, Exxon ranked last, which didn't sit well with me either. In some areas of the article it seems like a big scheme, like they're providing all of these benefits to sam-sex couples, while at the same time not exactly hiring people in sam-sex relationships to begin with, but that might just be me thinking the worst in a company trying to make a change for the better after not making the best choices in the past.

Enrollment to be Delayed for Small-Business Marketplace

1.      http://www.nytimes.com/news/affordable-care-act/2013/09/26/enrollment-to-be-delayed-for-small-business-marketplaces/?ref=politics&_r=0

2.      Economy/ Business

 

3.      Level of problem/issue  (National Level)

 

4.      A problem/issue that individuals/families face

    5.   Why this is important to individuals/families OR How does this affect individuals/families
     It affects small businesses because they feel like things have been delayed for the Affordable Care Act. Since Republicans demanded for a delay in the requirement that individuals get insurance it affects the people.

6.   What are your views on the issue/policy?

    I think the fact that delays in the rollout of the health care plan as is not ready and put small businesseson the back burner. The administration announced earlier that it would delay until 2015 the requirement that employers provide health insurance.

 

Rights Groups and Clinics Sue Texas Over Provisions in It's New Abortion Law

1) http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/28/us/rights-groups-and-clinics-sue-texas-over-abortion-law.html?ref=texas

2) Category of problem: Health&Social 

3) Level of problem: State

4) The article concerns: The mother's and the baby's healthcare, as well as medical policies and procedures in the state of Texas under the new Abortion Law in regards to requested provision by Rights activists concerning some of the requirements of the law. 

5) How does it affect individuals/families? The law itself affects women in favor of undergoing the procedure to abort the child, doctors who preform the procedure, felicities and workers who work at those clinics such as planned parenthood, as well as women in search of affordable women's healthcare.  

6) What are your opinions on the issue? There are a million points I could make right now but I'll keep it semi short and semi-not crazy. In my opinion, the passing of these provisions to the Abortion Law would defeat the purpose of the law in the first place, which is to set regulations that actually make it safer for women who wish to terminate their pregnancies. The law sets a requirement that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, but according to the article Many medical experts say the rule, which was passed in the name of safety, is medically unnecessary and that the requirement cannot be met by clinics in smaller communities, which would obviously require patients to do some traveling. In my opinion, if you're going to have a procedure that not only changes your bodily functions and another human beings, its a drive that can be made no matter what the circumstances are. That may sound cold, but I feel like people tend to forget that this is a medical surgery and isn't just a quick fix. I do realize that shutting down so many of these clinics would also keep some women from getting the propped contraceptives at an affordable cost but at the same time i feel like the people arguing the law in the first place tend to put a spin on the argument claiming that the law is simply a way for lawmakers to use their religious beliefs to monitor what women can and cannot do with their bodies, but in my opinion these same women fight for women's right to their bodies and human rights are forgetting the fact that there are two main people affecting by abortions and only one of those two comes out of it alive. To be it is all just contradicting itself and hypocritical to fight so much for your own rights as a women when there is a 50/50 chance there is another women inside of you that isn't getting those same rights. It's a touchy subject for everyone I think, and it's great to see so many women standing up for what they believe in, for/or against. I myself don't understand why it's even being questioned and will never understand how someone could have an abortion just based on my life experiences, and the fact that both my parents were adopted rather than the other option at the time. I myself will continue to be for the Law and encourage everyone to believe what they believe and fight for it no matter what I think, but thats my rant.   

Guns at School? If There’s a Will, There Are Ways

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/28/us/guns-at-school-if-theres-a-will-there-are-ways.html?ref=education
2. Category of issue: Guns at School.
3. Level of issue: State/ National Level
4. Who does this affect?: All students and families of students where guns are being allowed on school campus.
5. Why is it important to these people?: Well it is a big security concern for all students that attend schools who allow concealed weapons and for the families of these students.
6. What is your opinion on the issue: My opinion on this issue is very on the fence of both sides and point of views. I understand after the shooting in schools many people were concern about their safety. So the first thing in mind is trying to pass a law that would allow guns at school, but as easy as it can sound there are many provisions and details to be considered. I like the new act that  Texas has implemented on Sept. 1st. Protection of Texas Children Act is something I can agree on, even though having guns at school gives us a worry of "what if it falls in the hands of the wrong person?". Well there is a slim chance of that happening and if it did other teachers, or staff  allowed to have a gun will be trained to handle the situation. See in some states, the school districts have a very restricted budget, meaning that some school districts can't afford security guards leaving them at a defenseless vulnerable state. So with this Protection of Texas Children Act I am glad the teachers or staff have to go through training of where unfortunate situations arise, go through a mental health evaluation before handling a gun. So not just anyone can get a weapon and expect to protect and serve. Of course their will always be someone criticizing the Act or against any guns in school. What will be the deciding factor? Wait until another tragic shooting happens at another school, or be prepared for what could happen? You tell me.

Chew on this: Sour news on grapefruit

1. Marini, Rich. (2013, September 22). Health Zone - Prescription Drugs: Chew on this: Sour news on grapefruit. Houston Chronicle, K12.
2. Category of problem: Health
3. Level of problem: National Level
4. The article concerns: A study by David Bailey, a Canadian researcher, found that grapefruit has an ability to cause prescription drugs to build up in the body.  
5. Why is this important to families / individuals OR how does it affect individuals / families?
1. The studies found that substance in grapefruit juice disrupt enzymes in the body that metabolize drugs.  Without the enzyme, the drug keeps accumulating, sometimes to dangerous levels, often causing symptoms like gastrointestinal bleeding and heart rhythm disruption.  The elderly are most at risk since they tend to take more prescription drugs and consume more grapefruit.
6. What are your views on the issue / policy?
1. Prescription drugs that target specific areas in a person's body have many benefits in curing or curtailing diseases and other maladies.  To find that taking these medications with certain fruits or fruit juices is discouraging.  Who would have assumed that taking drugs, for instance, with your favorite breakfast beverage could lead to a potentially dangerous situation within the body worse than the ailment itself?  We could ass assume that taking drugs with alcohol could be hazardous, but fruit juice?  What else do we not know about the threats to our bodies that are lurking beyond taking medication with anything besides water?  And, is even THAT a safe alternative?  Realizing that every probable vulnerability of taking drugs can never be alleviated, but maybe a little more research could be done upfront to learn the effects of citrus juices on the effectiveness or deficiencies of a drug before it went to market.  For that matter, what are the side effects of ingesting drugs with Gatorade or Red Bull - you know somewhere, someone is doing just that.  It is known that statin drugs cause harm to the body's liver over time, but can that be intensified by taking drugs, like Lipitor or Crestor, such that the damage occurs even quicker if a person drinks citric fruit juices?  What about anti-depressants or heat medications?  It is scary to think that something we think is doing our bodies good may be killing us because of the way we take them.  You would think, in this day and age of medical technological advances, that a drug would be secure no matter how it was consumed.  It certainly makes me aware of the medicine I will take in the future, and I will ask about those issues with my doctor when I do have to take something. 

Scientist tout big gate for storm protection

1. Berger, Eric. (2013, September 25). City & State: Scientist tout big gate for storm protection. Houston Chronicle, B1/B2.
2. Category of problem: Economy
3. Level of problem: Local Level
4. The article concerns: Five years after Hurricane Ike devastated the upper Texas coast, Houston scientist have proposed a gate to protect the Houston Ship Chanel and much of the Bayou City's industrial base during another hurricane. 
5. Why is this important to families / individuals OR how does it affect individuals / families?
1. Academia have studied the effects of a Hurricane Ike-like storm passing through different regions of the Texas Coast, and, particularly, the effect it would have on chemical industries along the Houston Ship Chanel.  Had Ike come in to the region along the San Luis Pass, it would have had a devastating effect on the Ship Channel.  Losses to facilities, downtime, productivity and environmental charges would produce an estimated $148 billion in economic losses to the Ship Channel.
6. What are your views on the issue / policy?
1. Industries along the Houston Ship Chanel employ several thousand people from the Houston / Baytown and surrounding areas.  Additionally, the support industries to the Ship Chanel employ another several thousand people.  Any catastrophe, including an Ike-type hurricane, would be financially shocking to not only the businesses in the zone, but to the people who depend on those industries for their livelihood.  Storm surges, where water enters into bays, tributaries and channels from the Gulf, are as damaging to people and property as the force of the wind from a hurricane.  Since most of Houston is at, or just a little higher, than sea level, not only would a 20' surge damage business, but thousands of homes, and the people who live in them, would be greatly affected.  The design for a 25' high gate, 600-800' across the Ship Chanel would protect many properties from the consequences of a strong hurricane.  Of course, protecting one, larger area has potential environmental impact on other areas.  Getting past the bureaucratic hurdles of local ecologists, and, of course, the Environmental Protection Agency of the federal government, may be very hard to overcome.  However, the time is now to start planning, designing and researching the potential impacts / benefits of the proposed gate so that anticipated delays are minimized.  The thought that something like this could hypothetically decrease the economic burden of businesses and the people who support them, as well as possibly saving hundreds of lives in the process, appears to be an idea whose time has come.  Environmental and financial impacts aside, if building this gate saves the lives of one person, it would be a good idea.  Waiting for another Ike to come before looking into this concept is not a good idea. 

Unlikely Debate on Gay Rights in California Town

1. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/27/us/unlikely-debate-on-gay-rights-in-california-town.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=us&
2. What Category: Gay Rights
3. Level of issue: Local Level ( Porterville, California)
4. Who does this issue affect?: It affects gays within the community but may cause a gay uprising movement around the nation.
5. Why or how does this affect them? It affects the gay community: the fact that the mayor was willing to give the Gay community a month for pride without hesitation but got so much back lash. I n a state such as California where Gay rights and movements first started about 60 years ago, there is still pockets of cities and towns that are very much conservative in their views, like for example Porterville. So with having so much back lash from conservatists and other groups, gays fell like they haven't advanced at all as a society. 
6. What are your views on this issue: Well the Mayor of Porterville didn't think it was much to make June a month of Gay Pride but backed away from signing the proclamation because of the backlash she was receiving. In my opinion why would you want a mayor that is easily influenced by the action and attitudes towards her, than for to stand up and represent for what she believes in . That is not a mayor I would want in office, at all. I am glad there is a a little controversy and it is receiving national news because we are now in a new time and society. At one point we have to be able to put up with each other and accept the fact not we are never going to see eye to eye. But does that mean that we should make a group of people feel outcasted and make sure they don't have the right to celebrate their beliefs, attitudes like everyone else? In this situation particylarily the Gay community, we as Catholics, Protestants, and other religions have holidays, we are able to pray and praise, but the Gay community can't have a month of Gay pride, to rejoice, celebrate how far they have come in our society and be happy without having to put up a fight for it. I hope the proclamation is passed and I hope the people that can't stand the site of seeing Gays win with this fight, are driven out of town and they can move somewhere else.

Parched Businesses on Lake Travis; LCRA's involvement

1. http://www. profitability.com/2013/09/22/us/with-lakes-drying-up-central-texas-businesses-are-parched.html?ref=texas

2. Category of Problem: Water/Growth/Business

3. Level of Problem: State/Local

4.This article concerns: This article concerns local businesses struggle to keep their doors open due to the 3rd dry season in area of Austin/Central Texas. LCRA is exposed as having involvement in  releasing 120 billion gallons of water to rice farmers in order sustain the local economy (in Matagorda, Wharton, and Colorado Counties). Wouldn't you be mad if you were closing your business on Lake Travis due to the lack of water bringing in tourists and your clientele?!

5. Importance/affect  on families/individuals: The persistent low lake levels have already taken an affect on families and individuals who are owners of small businesses on Lake Travis; many people are closing down until more rain comes in the future, others have closed for good. This dry spell not only was the result of the onset of a dry hot summer (3 year in a row), but the outcome of a man made issue. The affect it has on individuals and families is basically the LCRA is in control of your business' profitability. I understand that other communities depend on the same source of water but who is to decide who gets number one priority with the allocation of the water? Is that something we leave to the experts? Look at what the experts have done!

6. My Input: I am excited that voters have the opportunity this November to vote on the $2 billion dollar use of Texas' Rainy-Day Fund to invest in improved water infrastructure. The Texas Legislature has already approved this constitutional amendment, so hopefully voters will turn out for this one. Personally, I know my cousins and my grandparents have always lived with very strict water rations in San Antonio and I would hate for Austin to gain a slew of water police (nazis ). It is a relief that we are already getting representation from the government at the State level. I love how people in Austin for the most part are pretty passionate about human rights and exercising their opinions through protest, voting, and spending to support what their values align with. It seems that we have had some real whistle-blowers looking out for the best interests of the individuals and families in Central Texas who have some affiliation with the suffering restaurants or businesses due to the drought; or else, this legislation simply wouldn't have been pushed through so quick! I feel the LCRA is definitely to blame after looking at the numbers in the news article, not only should there be some compensation coming to the area from the State, there should also be compensation coming to small businesses who have had to shut down (solely because of the low lake levels) from the LCRA! What do you think?

Austin council OKs program to register, inspect, 'problem' rental properties

1. Austin American Statesman, Sarah Coppola
2. Policy
3. Local Level
4. This policy  affects rental tenants, rental owners, and government workers conducting rental inspections/processing rental information.
5. The above citizens of Austin, Texas should be concerned with the content in this article. The article suggests that rental owners will be held responsible for up keeping their rental properties. And, this may cost a lot of money to them.
6.  I agree with the proposed policy to register problem rental properties and to insure the safety of tenants. Rental property owners may think they can delay fixing up the property they own. However, the tenants that live in these properties rely on the safety of their home. It is not fair for the owners to not take care of the property.

 I know that when I was a renter I had many problems with the owner of my building. When I moved in they said there was no pre-existing problems. Because my roommate and myself were young, and we were excited to move out of our parent’s house, we did not ask the right questions. And, I feel that we were taken advantage of.  After a week into our year contract we discovered a horrible roach problem in the apartment. And, this was in California, where roaches aren't as prevalent as they are in Texas.
My story could easily happen here in Austin, and I am glad to hear that local government is taking action to the problem. And, hopefully stopping any further injuries due to un-kept property. The article mentioned a deck collapse in southeast Austin where 160 homes were displaced. I can't imagine having my life routine mixed up in such a way. These people pay money to have a roof over their head. And, that roof over their head should provide safety and not provide harm or worry.

More Exposure to Advertising

“Relaxed investing rules could boost startups”

– Austin American Statesman (A1), 9-22-13 

 

 

 

1.     Category: Economy

2.     Level: Local

3.     This article involves a potential policy that is being considered to help an issue that individuals are facing.

4.     This issue is important to individuals who are trying to start up their own companies. As investing rules become more relaxed, it will be easier for these companies to get the financial backing through investors.  Additionally, they will be able to advertise more efficiently.

5.     After the JOBS Act was passed in 2012, the strict regulations that were mandated by the Securities Act of 1933 were relaxed greatly. What does this mean for local business in the Austin area? That means that they will be able to advertise (nearly) however the feel in order to get the financial backing they need in order to succeed. This is great for our local economy! On the other hand, is this really any better for the individual consumer? I honestly feel like we are already overstimulated with the billions and billions of advertisements we see each day. If I tried to tell you every advertisement I saw today, I would be typing for hours. Additionally, there would be hundreds of advertisements that I overlooked. Our society has become numb to advertising. According to the article, the companies will now be able to use print ads, television, the internet, billboards, and banners when advertising for investors. To clarify, the consumer will not only be subjected to the advertisement geared towards them but also to the advertisement intended for the potential investors who could help their company financially. Honestly, I think the United States needs to regulate the amount as well as the content of our advertisement a little more; not reduce the amount of regulation on advertisement requirements. Think about the amount of advertising that the average child is exposed to each day- the U.S. is not regulating it. They see all these unhealthy foods for hours each day, and the government wonders why we continue to have a problem with child obesity? The amount of advertising one company is allowed to expose to consumers should be limited, in my opinion.

Sources say Davis will run for governor

1. Austin American Statesman, by Chuck Lindell and Jonathon Tilove

2. Category: Politics

3. State level

4. The content of this article concerns Texas citizens with voting rights. Also, the article concerns citizens of the United States because a senate seat will open if Davis does become governor.  

5. All citizens of Texas should be concerned with the candidates for election. Citizens should follow the policies of the individual as well as the party they are backed by.

6. Speculation has begun that Senator Wendy Davis will announce her candidacy for Texas Governor. I hope that Davis does run for governor, if not for the sole reason Rick Perry will be gone. I think Perry is a weasel with negative intentions. I will be honest and admit that I do not know enough about Wendy Davis to vote for her yet. But, at this point I feel just about anyone would positively replace Rick Perry.

However, the facts I do know about Wendy Davis have made me a fan. Wendy Davis fought the abortion law this past summer by attempting to filibuster the debate.

Wendy Davis will hopefully use her momentum from her filibuster attention to use it to successfully change the conservative policies of Texas Government.

By ratio, Texas is a republican state. However, Austin is definitely democratic. Because of this, I feel Austin would highly support Davis’ run for governor. This may be a reason she is speculated to begin her campaign in Austin on Oct 15th.  

I believe speculation regarding her run for governor has emerged because many citizens are excited to have her potentially in office. The more I learn about politics the more anxious I get about who will be on the ballot, and who will win. It is frustrating to see Rick Perry represent myself. I couldn’t disagree with his policies any more than I do. And, I truly hope a woman, such as Davis, steps up and wins.

(word count: 246)

Dallas City Council approves free shuttle service plan for downtown

Dallas City Council approves free shuttle service plan for downtown

 

1. http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/

 

2. Category of problem/issue identified in article: environment

 

3. Level of problem/issue is local level

 

4. This article is an "enacted" policy that has been passed to help with a problem/issue that individuals/families face.

 

5. This new shuttle service plan is important for individuals and families because it creates easier travel in the downtown Dallas area. Families and Individuals who are wanting to visit downtown can now be down will less of a hassle and it will not cost them anything.

 

6. My opinion on the new shuttle service plan is that it seems to be a great idea and will be a nice free way for people to travel downtown. I do think that there will be some issues that coincide with this new plan like homeless people staying on the shuttle during its running times and it could possible get really crowded. These are just possible issues that may or may not take place so I feel like the plan for the most part is a great one. 

Lens in the Heat

“Lens in the Heat”

– Austin American Statesman (A1), 9-22-13 

 

 

2.     Category: Politics

3.     Level: Local, State, and National

4.     This article involves a potential policy that is being considered to help an issue that firefighters as well as families and individuals are facing

5.     This issue is important to families and individuals because it could ultimately protect their privacy of unknown videos leaking to the internet. Additionally, it could help fire departments from getting into a ton of trouble legally.

6.     Video cameras are everywhere. They are in every department store we walk through, they are on the streets we drive every day, and they are on the dashboard of the patrol car we were just pulled over by for exceeding the speed limit. So wouldn’t it be normal for the firefighter to have a camera while he is rescuing a victim from their burning house? In my personal opinion, no. Nationwide, quite a few firefighters have personally paid for small High-Definition cameras in order to capture their exciting and memorable adventures. Currently, Austin American Statesman and KVUE-TV are investigating the debate on whether this is ethically ok or not. Some firefighters are using it strictly for personal memorabilia, while others are using it for training purposes. However, I side with the founder of Patient Privacy Rights, it is an invasion of one’s privacy. This footage that is extremely capable of being displayed on YouTube and other social media pages should not be used for reality TV. If I were to ever fall victim to a house fire or any other devastating tragedy, I would not want anyone to be able to watch it for their entertainment. Additionally, I definitely would not want to accidentally stumble upon the footage and have to relive the same awful experience all over again. I could agree with the use of the cameras on one condition though: if a policy were put into place protecting the citizen’s privacy. Ideally, this policy would require the firefighters to turn in the camera at the end of their shift, just as patrol officer is required to do. I feel like if these departments were to allow the cameras, it should belong to the fire department and only be used for training or governmental purposes.

Lawsuit sends abortion bill battle to the courts

1.     Austin American Statesman, by Chuck Lindell

2.     Category: Health policy

3.     State level

4.     The article immediately concerns pregnant women in Texas seeking medical care for their pregnancy. The article concerns all Texas citizens in less immediate time frame.

5.     All citizens of Texas should be concerned with the abortion policy, and therefore should be concerned with the lawsuit filed in the article. The policy on abortions limits healthcare access to Texas women and the policy will take medical jobs from the Texas job market. These issues affect the economy and well being of Texas.

6.      

I support the lawsuit filed against the abortion law. For several reasons, I believe the law is unconstitutional. First, the abortion law takes away women’s decision in regard to their own health. Women receive abortions for a variety of reasons. And, it is not the decision of government to allow them medical care in this situation. I am lucky enough to be in a place of life where if I were to have an unexpected pregnancy I would be able to raise the child with the love and support of my husband and my family. However, five years ago this would not be the case. I am a Christian and I do value life. However, I do not value the inability for a person to properly take care of a child. Or, children growing up in foster care because their parents weren’t able to provide for them. The list of outcomes I do not value continues. These outcomes may seem extreme but they occur often due to un-planned pregnancies.

Second, government resources should be used in higher priority needs. For example, Texas State has the highest rate of uninsured citizens. This problem is in larger need of regulation than the personal decision a woman makes about her own body.

Third, the lawsuit should continue if not for the sole reason that medical clinics are being shut down. The abortion law will close medical clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, which are not regarded as a surgical clinic. Funny enough, Rick Perry’s sister works in a surgical clinic and will likely receive more business due to knocking out much of the medical competition.

The abortion law is wrong regardless of what you may think about abortion. Whether you believe abortion is murder or believe abortion is simply preventing life from being born. Either way, restrictions on abortions pose more problems than solutions to the issue of abortions. And, I hope more lawsuits arise to stop the unnecessary restrictions on women’s right to make decisions about her medical care.

            (word count: 336)