As a nurse of over 40 years, I am concerned with the language of the proposed constitutional amendment, Proposal 3. I find it very overreaching.

When we as professionals treat pregnant women, we treat two patients, not just one. We treat the mother and the child. The proposed amendment allows no interest for the child; the child has no rights, and would be neglected. I am also greatly concerned that informed consent is eliminated, and replaced by “voluntary consent”.

Medical professionals have worked diligently for years making sure that patients are informed of the benefits and risks of medical procedures. This proposal will deprive women and children of the opportunity to be fully educated and informed of the risks and possible outcomes and dangers of procedures, which are known to exist through evidence based medicine. Failure to inform does not happen in modern medicine, and should not be allowed to happen.

Therefore, I urge true health care professionals to preserve the honor of our professions, maintaining the honesty and dignity we afford our patients and those we serve, by voting no on Proposal 3. Also, as a mother and grandmother, I know that parents have great authority and responsibility in raising children. Schools, churches, community and State of Michigan agencies provide opportunities to support and educate parents in this most precious responsibility, working hard to promote good parenting in our communities. This proposal will erode women’s rights and parents rights to be mothers and fathers, to care for their children. It will also deprive children of their rights to have their parents support in a time of great need.

Therefore, I urge all to vote no on Proposal 3. May God, the author of life, open our hearts to compassion for all life.

MARY ANN LaCROSS,

Alpena