Bill would harm abortion access

Parental consent bill may not be in a child’s best interest | Column, Nov. 19

I’m a University of South Florida St. Petersburg student, and I want to make sure that the public knows about SB 404, a bill that would require minors to obtain parental consent to receive an abortion unless they obtain a judicial bypass. If anyone knows how to go through a judicial bypass without having to Google it, let me know. What could possibly be wrong with this, some may think. Some minors may come from families who do not have strong relationships to talk with their parents about getting an abortion. They may be at risk for abuse or be thrown out of their home. The bill also hinders abortion access, impeding timely care. The intent behind this is more than just restricting minors from obtaining an abortion; this is an attack in Florida on Roe vs. Wade. These anti-abortion lawmakers are attempting to overturn Florida’s precedents on privacy laws. This would affect not only Florida residents but women in other states as well who have very limited access to abortion or none at all; Florida is one of the only states in the Southeast that has a strong right to access abortion. Many people depend on Florida for reproductive care. I hope all legislators oppose this bill.

Rebecca Nero, Tampa

Let Montreal share suffering

RayJay doesn’t always look like home for Bucs | Nov. 18

New Orleans Saints fans celebrate a defensive stop of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the red zone on a late drive during the fourth quarter of the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on November 17, 2019, in Tampa. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Tampa Bay Times ]

I’ve noticed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t drawing large crowds. I can’t help but wonder if anyone has broached the idea of having them play half their home games in Montreal to help relieve our agony.

Howard Hilley, Tampa

Smoke clears; vaping goes on

Trump backs off on vaping flavor ban | Nov. 19

President Donald Trump [ EVAN VUCCI | AP ]

The night before a planned morning news conference, President Donald Trump refused to sign a “decision memo” that would have quelled a youth vaping epidemic that has ensnared 5 million teenagers so far and counting. The article says that “Trump reversed course on a plan to address a major public health problem because of worries that apoplectic vape shop owners and their customers might hurt his reelection prospects.” So as the “smoke” clears, it is plain to see where Trump’s priorities are, and they aren’t for your children’s health and security. As seen in the clear light of day, Trump only cares about Trump.

Peter Barton, St. Petersburg

Fighting human trafficking

Sting targets human trafficking | Nov. 19

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister [ TONY MARRERO | Tony Marrero ]

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister is committed to slowing down the Tampa Bay area’s unfortunate claim to fame of being a top destination for human trafficking. The three-pronged attack to stop supply, slow demand and help the dysfunctional trafficking victims get needed assistance and counseling is brilliant. Catching more than 100 suspects and the actual traffickers, while rescuing the victims, is a great start.

Dale Kimball, Wesley Chapel

Base election on popular vote

The National Popular Vote

We need the National Popular Vote; the bill would guarantee the presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes. I would abhor a repetition of the 2016 presidential election.

Glo Pogel, Plantation