Banning abortion may not be the best answer. Sex education and early contraceptive action, especially long-acting reversible contraceptives, are proven solutions. Funded by a $22 million grant (essentially free contraception from clinics), adolescent pregnancies in Colorado declined 40 percent from 2009 to 2013, as did abortions (42 percent). Decreased abortions were seen in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties of 65, 45 and 70 percent, respectively. And, the state program is estimated to save five Medicaid dollars for every dollar spent. With the grant money expiring in 2015, a request for $2 million a year to continue the program was killed in committee by male legislators.

Colorado has the highest number of female legislators at 41 percent; the other 49 states average 24 percent. Perhaps, we need more females, and shouldn’t agencies such as Planned Parenthood be applauded for their role in decreasing abortions?

Fraser Houston

Durango