Letters to the editor: Birth control, shelter zoning and abortion

Birth control

Now that abortion is illegal in Idaho, the right to all types of birth control, including long-term birth control like IUDs, is important. Some local representatives have stated they will consider banning IUDs in Idaho.

Hormonal IUDs are essential medical devices to manage out of balance hormones, unpredictable periods, endometriosis, and other issues. Non-hormonal IUDs cannot treat all conditions.

I was 12 when my periods started. They were up to a week long wherein I vomited bile, had severe diarrhea, passed large blood clots, had abdominal pain so bad I could not stand up.

My doctor recommended birth control pills. My mom said no, believing the myth that birth control would “make me a slut.” I was a devout, modest Christian. I spent one-fourth of my teen years in excruciating pain, puking, bleeding.

Once I was an independent adult, my doctor had me try all forms of birth control to treat my periods. I had endometriosis. I was a virgin when my IUD was placed. Only a hormonal IUD made my periods manageable.

My experience is common.

Women and girls require the right to all birth control, as prescribed by their doctors, without government laws interfering.

Kama Parrish, Nampa

Shelter zoning

After one of the most contentious reviews of (conditional use permit) and one that is still being challenged regarding the relocation of a homeless shelter to a neighborhood, Boise city staff acted to prevent the arduous process from happening again. What they have done is proposed a change to the zoning code. Rather than requiring the 300-foot buffer referenced frequently by citizens during public testimony, they removed it entirely. Instead, the siting of a shelter once the new zoning code takes effect will be an administrative process that requires no public testimony. What this means, is that now it is not just a “not in my backyard” argument lambasting the Veterans Park Neighborhood for being opposed to having three locations for those experiencing homelessness within their neighborhood. Now, any Boise neighborhood is subject to having a shelter relocated adjacent to it without a buffer and without the ability to require ongoing evaluation as to the impacts of the shelter on the surrounding area. Are you ready to be subject to the frustrations as those living near State and Willow Lane or would you like some input regarding whether or not a shelter can be in your backyard? Please write zoninginfo@cityofboise.org.

Scott Burney, Boise

Responsibility

In response to a letter to the editor dated July 3, titled “New responsibility,” I felt that I needed to respond. Dave Silva mentions that women who bypassed birth control and had a roll in the hay now have a responsibility because they didn’t think of what could happen when they were having a good time. I am sorry Dave, but remember it takes two to tango and the responsibility is shared. Men can just walk away and often do. And you mention the health of the mother or that the result of the pregnancy could be due to a crime and that that would warrant abortion but there lays the problem. Every case is different. And many states, like ours, want to make no exceptions. Not all women report rape due to threats from the rapist. Some are raped by relatives. Overturning Roe v. Wade does not make abortion less likely. Universal childcare, early education, comprehensive sex education, a decent minimum wage, paid family leave, access to contraception — all of those make abortion less likely. Overturning Roe v. Wade just put women’s lives at risk.

Mary Venable, Boise