Representative Blumenauer,

Congratulations on your reelection to the House of Representatives. I trust that you will continue to work for the good of all people in the 3rd District, as well as promote legislation that advances the common good of all Americans.

I write to you about an issue on which we do not agree: abortion, specifically the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). I know you are on record as supporting expansion of abortion rights, as witnessed by your statements in 2005, 2003, and 1998. I know also that the Democratic platform passed in Denver last August states that your party opposes all restrictions on abortion, though it goes on to say that you will work to decrease the “need” for abortion through increased social programs.

I write because I see a tension between this laudable goal (decreasing the “need” for abortion) and the unmitigated increase in abortion access that FOCA would promote. How can you decrease the need for abortion while at the same time expand access to it? At the same time, FOCA actually cuts funding for crisis pregnancy centers, which are a primary instrument of support for mothers who would not choose to have an abortion.

Even worse, you’ll force those of us who strongly oppose abortion to pay for them with our tax dollars. This makes a mockery of your statement in 1998 that those who oppose abortion “shouldn’t have one.” Paying for it is just the same as procuring it myself.

Please oppose FOCA. Not just in my name, but in the name of the millions of children who would be killed as a result of the expansion of the abortion industry that FOCA will make possible.