Those advocating for a Constitutional Convention who are saying
that there is no threat to human and civil rights ignore our history.
The pledges of these reformers ring hollow to those involved in
the fight to protect women’s reproductive health care decisions.
By dismissing this concern, “So much for conventions as threats
to civil rights” (Patrick Conley “History
shows: Don’t fear Convention”, October 31), Conley forgets what
dedicated advocates for women’s equity never can.
The “fetal personhood” amendment was rejected by the public, a
story told as a testament to the wisdom of RI voters.
The second and more insidious amendment was packaged as
expanding free speech rights, yet included this line now in our Constitution:
“Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant or secure any right
relating to abortion or the funding thereof.”
This is why women’s health advocates are concerned. The 1986
convention took away rights recognized as protected by the US Constitution.
This is not “political paranoia or constitutional constipation”
as Conley would lead you to believe. Organizations such as the ACLU, RI
National Organization of Women, the RI Chapter of the National Association of
Social Workers and Planned Parenthood are hardly the political insiders
concerned about losing influence in the General Assembly. If we want to reform
our system of government, let’s do it in a way that does not pose a risk to
people’s rights.
Jamie Rhodes of Warwick, is also the Rhode Island Policy Director
for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.