2 weeks Ago
Roe v. WadeIn July 2023, my third pregnancy became a nightmare. I learned it was non-viable and dangerous, requiring termination.
However, my medical condition — Von Willebrand disease, a blood clotting disorder — complicated everything. Medication abortion wasn’t an option, and a surgical abortion required specialized care, which my local providers couldn’t offer. I left my OBGYN’s office feeling lost and afraid, knowing I could miscarry at any moment without support.
With Von Willebrand disease, I already had to monitor my blood levels every 6-8 weeks due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Now, I was facing a life-threatening situation. I had to travel to Richmond for the procedure at VCU Health, but it took 18 agonizing days to arrange.
The fear of bleeding out at home, with my children or husband finding me, caused me to develop PTSD. The abortion brought relief, but the waiting was traumatic. Thankfully, I had family support.
I know I was “lucky.” Many women face greater obstacles, such as being unable to travel. Even in Virginia, where abortion is legal, I faced countless barriers.
Six months later, I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis, leading to a hysterectomy.Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, accessing abortion care has become even more difficult.
Even in Virginia, which is less restrictive than other states, the process feels like a minefield. I fear for women with medical conditions or those who don’t fit the “norm.”Nisa Cochran, Virginia BeachDistrictsRe “No just beach” (Your Views, April 2): In the letter, a citizen complains that Virginia Beach Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson advocates for improving Atlantic Avenue, which is in her district.
The author lives in a different district and wants more attention paid to her neighborhood.This is exactly what a 10-1 ward system gives you. The city is divided into 10 separate districts with each councilmember representing only one of those.
The writer has a vote to elect a mayor and only one other councilmember and absolutely no vote for or against the other nine.It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Wilson of District 5 would advocate for things in District 5. That’s what the 10-1 district voting was supposed to create.
If the letter writer would want more attention from the nine councilmembers for whom she has no choice nor vote, perhaps she should advocate for some at-large seats so that more councilmembers have direct accountability to voters across the city.Brian Kirwin, Virginia BeachClean energyRe “Keep Va.’s clean energy credits” (Our Views, March 5): As a graduate student studying at Old Dominion University, I have learned that clean energy is essential to the economic future of communities in Virginia while also improving public health through pollution reduction.
Clean energy has been shown to improve the dependability of our electric grid and reduce outages. The off-grid technology of rooftop solar panels with battery backup also provides a sense of security to many Virginians. During a critical time of an examination, students are often filled with anxiety, fear and doubt, and reliable electricity provides a sense of safety and peace of mind that helps them focus on their academic pursuit.
In the longer term, incorporating solar and wind power into the electric grid is projected to provide future job opportunities for today’s students.In Hampton Roads alone, the energy tax credit has benefited the community. More than 2,000 jobs are being projected while some are already in effect.
There is potential for clean energy manufacturing and electricity production to improve our community as a whole. The Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project is projected to employ about 900 jobs directly, with a potential of indirectly supporting more than 1,100 jobs annually in the region. About 2600 megawatts of power will be arriving in 2026.
Bolu Ayankojo, NorfolkSign up for Viewpoints, an opinion newsletter.
