Fifty years ago, on Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court issued its landmark 7-2 decision in Roe v. Wade, protecting a person’s constitutional right to choose. This case reaffirmed basic principles of equality, reinforced the fundamental right to privacy, and resolved that people in this country could control their own destinies — making deeply personal decisions free from political interference.

For those who celebrate the loss of Americans’ freedom to control their own bodies, I expect them to make sure both parents and children will get everything they need to survive.

What I expect the pro-life politicians and their backers to do is pass legislation to help forced birth parents with a living wage, the child tax credit and affordable childcare. They also need affordable housing, healthcare, food security and a good education for their children and themselves. After all, we are the richest country in the world.

If forced birthers cannot get what they need to survive then it was only pro-birth and not pro-life that this Supreme Court decided 5-4. When there are no children going to bed hungry in America, I will buy the pro-life talking point.

Abortion is health care and essential as an option in all cases. Just ask the pregnant person who has to wait until they are at death’s door before they can get the health care they need because doctors are afraid to be jailed for saving the life of the pregnant person. Does a 10-year-old really not have the freedom to decide what happens to their body! Abortion saves lives.

The Court got Roe right 50 years ago and Michigan just proved it in the last election by showing that they do not want to give up their bodily freedom.

MARY O’NEILL

Presque Isle