Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, owes an apology to his legislative colleagues and other Alaskans over his repugnant statements that some Alaskans are glad to become pregnant, so that they can have a Medicaid-funded trip to Anchorage or Seattle to have an abortion.
His accusation that “You have individuals who are in villages and are glad to be pregnant, so that they can have an abortion because there’s a free trip to Anchorage involved,” is reprehensible and a direct assault on rural Alaskans who have access to minimal health care in their villages.
He has brought the Legislature to a new low with such ignorant and divisive statements. I believe it is possible to have rational discussions about Medicaid funding without degrading and demonizing women.
Rosita Worl
President, Sealaska Heritage Institute