Rick Peraless’s Twitter Pic

Dear Rep Perales,

I’m disappointed to learn that you supported HB-214, which prevents women and girls from having abortions if they discover the fetus has Down Syndrome. This is bad legislation for many reasons. It is unethical, unconstitutional, and will have unintended consequences.

As a constituent of yours, I’d like to remind you that I do not share your personal opinion on the idea that morality means “life at all costs.” In fact, I consider this ethic deeply immoral because policies based on this ethic often harm the quality of life of many others in the process. In my opinion, women are capable, entitled, and even obliged to make ethical choices about how and when to raise a children. It is an unconscionable attack on our liberties when you force your personal ethical opinions on all constituents via legislation. Legislating your values and forcing me and my family to comply with your religious teaching is the antithesis of the “small government” ideal which Republicans allegedly value.

Furthermore, HB-214 is likely unconstitutional, so in addition to forcing your moral opinions on my family, you will be wasting taxpayer dollars on a losing legal fight. I will be contributing to organizations which fund legal support for women who are harmed by your new law. And I will also be contributing to your political opponent if you continue to support legislation which infringes on my liberties.

Finally, this legislation will have the unintended consequence of discouraging Down syndrome testing. Parents will be unprepared to cope. And the overloaded public services will likely be given additional burdens of Down syndrome babies to care for, something I’m sure you’re not prepared to adequately fund.