Dear, Editor
After reading Robert Rhinehart’s column on abortion, I felt very compelled to spread light on the issue.
Even though I do agree that a woman’s choice to have a baby is no one else’s business, the negative outlook that was placed in Rhinehart’s article opened up a door of concern for me.
I can personally relate to any woman confronted with the decision to have an abortion or not.
I am a single mom with two children, who by the way are well fed, dressed, educated, intelligent human beings, and no I was not born into wealth, and have not won the lottery.
I actually decided to start college after my second child was born. I sought help from the state who in turn gave me many opportunities to enhance my education so that I can advance towards a better career.
I received Tenncare paying for the births of both of my children and there doctor visits thereafter.
My children and I receive benefits from many state-funded facilities allowing us access to the necessities we need in order to maintain a comfortable, healthy and safe living environment.
I even have help with childcare making it affordable based on my income.
In return I will have the opportunity to better myself and pay back to the community one day.
I am not trying to emphasize anyone’s decision one way or the other. I am only trying to educate woman faced with the choice by someone who has been down that road before.
I have been greatly encouraged throughout my college career by many people, but I do have to admit my children are the biggest influence of them all.
After receiving an associate’s degree of applied science from Northeast State Community College I transferred to East Tennessee State University as a junior and I am working on my B.S. degree in a double major.
Since I received enough funding from grants and loans I can attend classes’ full time, work part time at the university due to work study grants, and can still maintain a loving relationship with my children.
In conclusion, a woman can have a baby safely by immediately consulting with a physician and having prenatal checkups often, give her children the necessities they need, and maintain a career.
I will not tell a lie, it takes a lot of hard work and determination, but it can be the most rewarding choice a person could make.
This message not only goes out to expecting moms, but also to all single parents, men and woman.
Tanya Denton

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