Letter: Endorsing Kevin Volk for state House

As a priest and pastor, the wellbeing of the wider community I serve is paramount. I was deeply concerned with the harm that the recent 1864 abortion ban would have had on our families.

There are many reasons women seek reproductive care, including fertility challenges. Access to safe care from qualified physicians is essential, and all deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions. We must trust women, with their families and providers – not the government – to do so. My current representatives in the State House have failed to safeguard these rights. They voted multiple times to outlaw abortion even in cases of rape or incest.

This year I will be voting for Kevin Volk for state House. He is committed to expanding, not restricting, access to safe reproductive healthcare. He understands the consequences of one-size-fits-all bans, which diminish women's access to healthcare. Choose Volk, and only Volk, for state House and to vote "Yes" on Prop 139.

Stephen Kelsey

East side