Position on abortion

I've never met anyone who is comfortable with abortions. Everyone I've talked to is personally opposed to abortion as a means of birth control. I feel the same way. But abortions are legal. Like it or not, the Supreme Court decided that women have a right to have an abortion if they choose.

I support a woman's right to choose, but I also support the positive efforts that have been made to reduce abortions. Counseling, birth control, sex education, etc., have reduced the number of abortions to an all-time low. I think some of the efforts to reduce abortions border on the punishment of women, and I don't think it's right to punish women for something they have a legal right to do.

I'm a Democratic candidate for state representative, and although I personally oppose abortion and hope that someday none will occur, I support a woman's right to choose.

GARY L. GAINES, 2971 Beaver Creek Drive, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

Paid for by the Gaines for Gains Committee. Gary L. Gaines, Treasurer.