Women need full control of their destiny

I have never been as proud to live in Illinois as after this election, and more recently after the signing of HB40.

I moved here in 2004 from Ohio to be in a more liberal and diverse area, and it's not been easy, but I've been able to survive as a musician and father here. I'm agnostic, and low-income, and one of the things I love about Illinois is the outstanding health care my daughter has received through the state, from my wife's pregnancy to present, age 4.

Women should receive any kind of health care that they require. I've studied women's history extensively, and I'm concerned that the separation of church and state is in peril, and feel that most beliefs about sex and reproduction are religious in nature. To me, the view that each conception, embryo, fetus, etcetera is sacred and to be held in the same regard as a fully grown female is a religious belief and contrary to evolution and common sense. Women's health in women's hands. It's about trust and respect and empowering each woman to fully control their destiny, regardless of income.

We should be cautious of men like Trump and Pence and Gorsuch making decisions about women's health; as I understand it women only make up about 20 percent of politicians and we need to get more women in politics so that they can make their own decisions about health care. Furthermore, I've known several women that have had abortions and I hope that if my daughter should ever need to have one, then she will be able to, and in Illinois we will continue to respect reproductive rights.

Dan Huber

St. Charles