The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed HB 1957, a joint resolution that would begin the constitutional amendment process to protect reproductive rights in the Pennsylvania Constitution. The next step is for the resolution to be passed in identical form by the Pennsylvania Senate.

I call on all elected officials, especially Judy Ward, to set aside personal, moral or religious beliefs when voting on this measure. This resolution does not impose policy; it simply allows the people of Pennsylvania to decide the issue directly through a popular vote.

Voting against this resolution on personal grounds undermines the democratic process. This country was founded on the principle of government by and for the people. Pennsylvania, in particular, holds a unique place in that history as the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the nation’s first capital.

Allow the people to make this decision. Put aside personal hubris and return the power to where it belongs. Being an elected representative does not confer moral superiority. A vote against this resolution sends a clear message: “I know better than you. The people cannot be trusted to decide for themselves.” That is not democracy.

Heather Eckels

Altoona