Dear Editor,
I am writing to endorse Margaret Liston for Senate 24, who is running against Jesse Green, and to endorse Joe Shelly who is running against Carter Nordam for House District 47. We need representatives to improve the quality of life for rural Iowa families. Iowa’s government needs elected officials who care about the lack of access for women’s health care.
As a part of women’s health care, Iowa needs advocates to strive for access to reproductive rights for Iowa women. Liston and Shelly will work to achieve these goals.
In rural Iowa, limited access to women’s health care is a pressing issue, where communities face a shortage of healthcare providers, long distances to clinics, and a lack of specialized services. Women in rural Iowa may experience diminished health outcomes due to these barriers.
Iowa faces significant challenges in obstetric and gynecological (OB-GYN) care. The state has the fewest OB-GYN specialists per capita in the nation, with 66 out of 99 counties lacking sufficient OB-GYN care. Over half of Iowa’s counties do not have an obstetric facility, and a significant portion of women do not have a birthing hospital within 30 minutes of their residence.
The University of Iowa Medical School has also noted a decline in the number of residents seeking training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. This decline will continue to exacerbate women’s health care in the future.
Also, during debates these past several years on abortion, there is a lack of attention by Iowa’s governor and legislature on children and family issues. This includes access to prenatal and postnatal care along with healthy and available foods for children. Not to be left out is affordable childcare. These are issues are Liston and Shelly view as priorities.
Early voting is available at the county courthouse. It is time for new representation for Dallas and Greene counties. I encourage you to use your voice at the ballot box.
Pat McPherson, Perry – SD 24, HD 47
