In response to Wednesday’s letter to the editor, “NIU should not be taking a stance on abortion,” –it’s not.

Access to abortion is a legal right that has been guaranteed by the decision in Roe v. Wade. The fact that an individual disagrees with this decision does not make abortion any less legal.

Furthermore, as is pointed out, NIU is a public university, supported by taxpayer dollars. NIU should uphold the laws, regardless of individual perspective.

Lotta’s suggestion that information about reproductive rights is “insensitive and offensive” is clearly subjective. What he finds offensive, others will ultimately identify as helpful, supportive, and informative.

The website lists a variety of options under “pregnancy,” including: adoption, parenting and, yes, health centers that provide abortions. However, the page also lists centers that do not provide or refer for abortions.

NIU is not endorsing abortions; it is providing students with information about their options according to law.

A range of options are provided so that students may educate themselves about reproductive health and rights, allowing them to make an informed decision.

If NIU were a private institution, censorship based on personal beliefs would be within its rights, but not as a public university.

While I respect the right to personal beliefs, I urge President Peters and all others to remember their responsibility to everyone. It’s inappropriate to manipulate information or deny legal rights based on personal morality.

To Joseph Lotta, keep your personal beliefs off my (and every other woman’s) body.

Megan Woiwode

junior political science major