By Corinne Boyer
On November 6, 2012, the 2012 Presidential Election will take place. The outcome of this election could bring drastic changes to America. President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney both have entirely different stances on women’s issues. As a voter, it is important for you to know where the candidates stand on critical issues. After reading President Obama’s and Governor Romney’s views of women, I know that my rights as a woman should not be threatened based on a politician’s agenda.
On President Obama’s website, there is section dedicated to discussing women’s issues. President Obama supports women’s reproductive rights and the right to choose. President Obama believes women have the right to choose what is best for their health without government interference. No laws, and especially no politicians, should infringe or interfere with women’s rights. President Obama believes that women should have access to birth control, cancer screenings, and healthcare. Because of the Affordable Healthcare Act, numbers insurance plans now fully cover birth control for women. According to President Obama’s website, “more than 50 percent of women between 18-34 say they’ve struggled to afford birth control.”
Barack Obama supports women’s rights and equal pay for women. President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Act, which supports equal pay for women. Lilly Ledbetter worked for GoodYear for 17 years and was paid less than all of her male colleagues who had the same job. President Obama wants to end workplace discrimination and ensure that women have equal pay. President Obama understands when women are not paid equally, it hurts families.
Mitt Romney’s website does not have a section for women’s issues. Instead, Romney’s website lists abortion, stem-cell research, and marriage under the “Values” category. Romney wants to repeal Roe v. Wade. No mention of an exception for rape victims who become pregnant is listed. In light of recent comments made by Richard Mourdock, Romney still has not withdrawn his support for the Indiana Senate candidate. According to the Los Angeles Times, during a recent debate, Mourdock said, “I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, it is something that God intended to happen.” I do not want a president who will not protect women’s rights. Rape is a crime, and Mitt Romney’s support for Mourdock should raise questions about his views regarding women.
Romney believes marriage is between a man and a woman. In addition to not supporting the rights of women, he is a threat to equality within LBGT communities. With marriage equality acts passing in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Iowa, Romney does not support marriage equality acts. During the presidential debates, Romney claimed to care about “100 percent of the people.” If Romney truly cared about 100 percent of the people, why is he in favor of enacting laws that block the rights of Americans?
Mitt Romney is in favor of less government. As a proponent of making new laws regarding the rights of women and banning same sex marriage, Romney contradicts what he stated he believes in—less government. Less government means less protection for the rights of its citizens. As a woman, I believe I should be able to make my own decisions regarding my health and earn as much money as a man. I believe Barack Obama believes in the rights of all citizens of our country. I urge you to visit both candidates’ websites and vote. Voting is important and you have the right to voice your opinion about whom you believe is most qualified to represent the United States of America. Every vote counts, and as a student, you should set an example by exercising your right to vote.
Sources: http://www.barackobama.com/womens-issues?source=primary-nav
http://www.mittromney.com/issues/values
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-mourdocks-rape-comment-20121025,0,1696827.story?track=rss
http://www.hrc.org/marriage-center#.UIxobW_R7QM
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