TO THE EDITOR:
In response to the editorial “Explain abortion money” (Aug. 31), where’s the choice in the abortion exemption?
The real choice is when a woman has the peace of mind knowing she has access to all of her options — abortion with coverage or carrying the pregnancy to term — when in a difficult situation.
No one plans an unplanned pregnancy, and no one anticipates having an abortion. The point of insurance is to provide a safety net for unexpected medical expenses.
Abortion is standard in nearly every health insurance plan in the nation, so why should UNC be the exception? Women shouldn’t lose coverage just because they’re UNC-system students.
Regardless of one’s personal feelings on abortion, this trend in removing a standard insurance benefit due to moral objections is disturbing. What coverage will get the axe next? Student mental health services? Treatments and drugs for HIV patients? Cancer treatments for smokers? The UNC system deserves to be commended for protecting insurance benefits.
Carey Pope
Executive Director
Erica Scott
Program Manager
NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina
