The effect of the 2012 election has the potential to change the makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court, an issue that has garnered too little discussion.

A Republican victory would almost certainly mean the demise of Roe v. Wade, and we would see decades of women’s reproductive rights ended.

No one is for abortion. I commend those women and couples who choose to avoid this procedure, but their choices must not be forced upon anyone who — often for the most painful and heartfelt reasons — chooses otherwise. Illness, poverty, lack of love between the man and woman, rape, incest, immaturity are frequent reasons.

We must remember that too many babies and young children in this world are unwanted, abused, beaten, starved and victims of poverty, crime, illness and despair. Isn’t the potential to prevent these conditions truly what it means to be pro-life?

I hope alternatives such as simpler adoption laws and fees, better care for foster children, less judgment of young people who have made a mistake will lessen the need for abortion.

But just as I would not judge those who are anti-abortion, I will vote for those who allow freedom of choice.

Helen Manfull

State College