In her efforts to protect unborn Down syndrome fetuses, Utah state Rep. Karianne Lisonbee fails to recognize some devastating life consequences. Pro-life supporters simply misread the implications of a disability for those who suffer its implications.
In 2015, 41.1 percentage points separated people with disabilities and their normal peers in the U.S. job market. In that same year, a median wage for a person with a disability was $21,572. That means qualified caregivers must be found who have the time and financial resources to support these less able individuals.
Back in 2015, states showed an increasing poverty percentage gap between those with and without disabilities except for people 65 and older who might have been able to better access social security.
Ironically the disabled are the very population who would benefit from the Medicaid expansion the Utah legislature voted to restrict. This sort of behavior in our legislators has a two-faced implication that makes me as a voter embarrassed and angry.
If you disfavor abortion, step up to the plate and provide the time, money, and services to provide people with disabilities a meaningful existence.
Joan Provost, Salt Lake City
