To the Editor:

Re “A Fractured Coalition Loses Ground on Abortion” (front page, Dec. 2):

When it comes to abortion rights, it is inaccurate to blame a divided left for the current status of legal abortion in this country.

The abortion rights movement — made up of abortion providers, advocates, researchers, activists and patients — is not fractured. Like any family, we are made up of people who see the issues through their own lenses, have their own priorities and approaches, and, of course, occasionally disagree. This is nothing to lament. To be a strong movement, we need diverse voices, and we embrace that diversity.

As a movement we are fighting against entrenched misogyny and systemic racism, which are far more to blame for abortion restrictions and assaults on access than any alleged movement division. We are fighting against a nationwide politics of hate and wanton disregard for the needs of real people facing real issues — a politics more interested in scoring points than solving problems.

The challenges we face in this pivotal moment only strengthen our resolve and our cohesion.

Katherine Ragsdale

Washington

The writer, an Episcopal priest, is president and chief executive of the National Abortion Federation, the professional association of abortion providers.