To the Editor:
Anti-abortion activists in South Dakota claim to be concerned about the "800 children aborted" in that state each year, and the State Legislature agrees. Apparently, their concern stops at birth.
According to the Children's Defense Fund, more than 27,000 children live in poverty in South Dakota; 18,000 have no health insurance; and two-thirds of fourth graders perform below grade level in math and reading.
The state's rankings regarding infant mortality, prenatal care and education spending per pupil are abysmal.
Where is the legislation to improve the lives of children already living in South Dakota?
I will never understand legislators who revere the fetus yet ignore the plight of the child once born.
Lori Keys Pender
Seattle, Feb. 23, 2006
Then pray your parents don't want to abort you...