Cruelty shown to Brittany Watts in Ohio, Kate Cox in Texas proof 'exceptions' are a mirage

The 'exceptions' are a mirage

The recent cases of Brittany Watts in Ohio and Kate Cox in Texas serve as harrowing reminders of the consequences faced by women in states with draconian abortion laws.

Despite Republican assurances, these women's health emergencies were not just neglected; their personal tragedies were compounded by legal prosecution and denial of essential healthcare.

Despite what you might hear from Republicans on the campaign trail in 2024, trying to appear moderate by talking about the supposed "exceptions," it's all a mirage.

The "exceptions" to these laws are neither reliable nor humane.

Grieving mothers are not criminals. Brittany Watts, Kate Cox cases show cruelty to women.

And they're not just failing women but are actively endangering their lives. This systematic denial of healthcare is a chilling echo of the once-decried "death panels."

The only viable path forward is clear and urgent: we must send more Democrats to Congress, reelect President Joe Biden, eliminate the filibuster, and firmly codify Roe v. Wade into law.

This is a critical step in ensuring that women's health and rights are not just a matter of political debate but are protected as fundamental human rights.

Ivan Freeman, Reynoldsburg

Mingo showed poise, strong character

There is an old adage, “instead of catching someone doing something wrong, catch someone doing something right."

I commend Judge Stephanie Mingo and her high level of integrity for recognizing and doing the right thing when she was contacted by another elected official — Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther — and encouraged to make a choice on an active case by an elected official.

More: Judge Mingo recuses herself from Greyhound case after improper call from Mayor Ginther

Mingo showed poise and strong character and is an example of what we need in our elected officials and Judges.

Shawn Parker, Powell

This is about control women

I'm writing to shed light on the chilling effects of restrictive abortion laws, as seen in the distressing cases of Brittany Watts in Ohio and Kate Cox in Texas. These women's stories are not just headlines; they are stark reminders of the dire consequences when politics override healthcare.

Brittany's ordeal in Ohio, where she faced legal action after a stillbirth, and Kate's struggle in Texas to obtain a medically necessary abortion, reveal a grim reality: The health exceptions touted in these laws are a mirage. Women's health and lives are being gambled away in a political power play.

The irony is bitter.

More: Ohio GOP lawmakers an unhinged authoritarian band. Vows to chuck abortion, weed vote proof

Remember when Republicans screamed about "death panels" under the Affordable Care Act? Now, their policies are creating a scenario far worse, making critical healthcare decisions based on draconian laws, not medical necessity.

It's high time we face facts. These restrictive laws are not about protecting life; they're about controlling women's bodies and choices. The path forward is clear: We need a Congress that supports women's rights, a President committed to safeguarding our health, and laws that genuinely protect our right to choose.

Let's not mince words. This fight is about freedom, health, and justice. We must stand together, elect leaders who will fight for our rights, and push for legislation that respects and protects women's autonomy. Our voices must be heard, for the sake of every woman who has been, or could be, in Brittany's or Kate's shoes.

Laura Ranes, Castalia

God in Texas

The Texas Republicans care only about what they want and when they want it.

Human life means absolutely nothing to them except; when they want the votes in their favor.

No political party should have any say when it come to the health and life of a woman.

Out of the bedrooms of anyone at any time that does not harm those involved.  As much as the Republicans in Texas will deny it; they so enjoy playing the God role.

In time this will come back to haunt them.

Gerald Young, Cincinnati

Marijuana packaging must be regulated

Accidental marijuana ingestions have increased 20-fold since medical marijuana sales began in 2019, according to the Ohio Poison Control Center.

Most victims are children, and the most common culprit is edibles.

In light of recreational marijuana becoming legal, this number is bound to increase, and it is pertinent that we understand why.

Edibles, unlike their inhaled counterparts, often have a much higher amount of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Unfortunately, edibles are often sold in packaging that resembles common child snacks.

As a result, our unsuspecting children may reach for what appears to be Oreos, Doritos, or Nerds. At high doses, children may become unconscious, have trouble breathing, or start hallucinating. For children six years and younger, there is over a 50 percent chance they will require hospitalization.

One in four of those children will need to be sent to the intensive care unit. We need to protect our children. No child should be hospitalized because of a misleading package.

Marijuana must be sold in obvious packaging and include warning labels. Please call your state representatives and senators to ask that recreational marijuana be sold in apparent, regulated packaging.

Dr. Serena Dow, Columbus

Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented

I am not convinced President Claudine Gay is the right person to lead Harvard University.

The essential issue here is what her students are feeling and experiencing – not the concept of free speech or context “legalities."

Fear affects both Israeli and Palestinian students. If a student is hiding in the library, afraid to walk across campus, starts taking classes online, and feels threatened, then Harvard’s president, faculty, and staff have utterly failed.

That fear must be dealt with right away; student’ safety come first. A hate-filled moment, a negative interaction, and talk of genocide lives forever in our minds.

The Ivy League presidents should have realized that many new college students have never experienced such intense hatreds. By looking directly into their student’s eyes, the President’s reality might have changed.

The lives of Iranian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Egyptian, African American, and Jewish students are all equally important. The author of “Night” by Elie Wiesel, a concentration camp survivor, writes: “…whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation.

We must choose sides. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Sometimes we must interfere…that place - at that moment- becomes the center of the universe.”

President Gay and Harvard University, you have lost the center of the universe.

Dr. Michael J. Bailey, Columbus

Toys can be a hazard

Over 145,000 children visited the emergency department due to toy-related injuries in the U.S. last year.

Eleven children died of toy-related injuries, primarily by choking.

Recommended ages for toys are put on products for a reason.

As a pediatrician, I urge all of us to check manufacturers' recommendations and supervise children when playing to keep our youngest family members safe. Small parts should be kept away from children three or younger.

If purchasing scooters or bikes, ensure the child also has a helmet and other safety gear. Once gifts are opened, ensure all packaging and plastic wrapping are properly disposed of promptly to prevent suffocation or choking.

My hope for all is to have a happy holiday this year, and I want to remind us all that children’s safety should be a top priority as we are doing our holiday shopping.

Dr. Mallory Parsons, Columbus

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kate Cox, Brittant Watts show GOP talk of abortion exceptions a myth