Ending Michigan's parental consent law for abortion goes too far | Letters to the Editor

We don't need to strip parents of yet another tool for raising their kids by taking away the requirement for parental consent before an abortion can be performed. I say that's going too far.

The argument, for the rights of a child to make adult decisions, goes too far. We live in a world that, thanks to technology, sees the gap between a parent and their child widening into a chasm.

The Crumbley case show us that real, ordinary, everyday people want parents to be responsible for their children's actions and their welfare and well-being. Yet you propose to remove yet another method for a parent to protect his or her child. ("James Crumbley convicted of involuntary manslaughter for son's school shooting," Detroit Free Press, March. 15.)

The law as written is a good one and needs to stay.

Wayne Heath

Farewell, Michigan

Would abortion in Michigan be safer? She was 17 and needed an abortion. Ending parental consent law would help. | Opinion

Democracy over a TikTok ban

In regards to the TikTok ban, young people should not vote on only one issue – especially in the upcoming presidential election. If some young people vote for someone other than President Joe Biden because of a possible TikTok ban, they should understand voting for anyone other than President Biden will not get them a reprieve, but an authoritarian leader who will limit their rights.

Enough talk about saving TikTok. It's more important to save our democracy.

Nancy Lombardo

Macomb

Auto makers should prioritize EV infrastructure

The automotive landscape is swiftly embracing electric vehicles (EV) due to environmental concerns and technological advancements. Alongside this shift, there's a critical need for adequate charging infrastructure.

Dealerships play a pivotal role in addressing this challenge by providing charging stations on their premises. This move not only aligns with EV sustainability, but also enhances customer experience, propelling the adoption of electric mobility.

Range anxiety is a significant hurdle in EV adoption. Dealerships offering charging stations alleviate this fear, reassuring customers that recharging is convenient, thus promoting confidence in EV ownership. Moreover, installing charging infrastructure at dealerships enhances brand differentiation in a competitive market. Improved customer experience leads to higher customer retention and attraction, fostering brand loyalty.

We need more EV charging stations: There aren't enough charging stations for all these EVs | Letters to the Editor

Integrating charging stations also aligns with broader sustainability goals. Dealerships can power these stations using renewable energy sources, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting clean energy initiatives.

Despite logistical challenges, such as regulatory hurdles and installation processes, the long-term benefits of fostering EV adoption outweigh these obstacles. Collaboration with utility providers, government agencies and EV manufacturers can streamline processes and ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Incorporating charging stations into dealership networks is crucial for accelerating EV adoption. It addresses range anxiety, enhances customer experience, differentiates brands, and contributes to sustainability goals. It's not just a strategic business move but a commitment to shaping a greener, more sustainable automotive future.

Phil Roder

Albany, Georgia

Reimbursement rates for health care professionals needs to be increased

As a patient with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or kidney failure, I know how health care workforce shortages can affect patients. I have been on dialysis for 7 years. At the clinic where I receive dialysis – the life-saving treatment which replaces my kidney function – any staff shortage can mean the difference between a smooth treatment and chaos.

America is facing a historic health care workforce crisis. Staffing challenges and high demand have led to gaps in care like longer emergency room wait times.

Unfortunately, Medicare is failing to address inadequate staffing and care. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) increased the reimbursement rate for health care providers far below the rate of inflation in recent years, making it harder to attract a skilled health care workforce.

Medicare reimbursements should keep pace with inflation. But over the past few years, reimbursements earmarked for workers has fallen far short of what’s necessary. Now, providers cannot hire workers, maintain equipment, and provide quality care.

Our leaders in Washington need to step up. I call on CMS to reform their reimbursement structure and provide more robust payments to providers in-need.

Shawn Manley

Detroit

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: If Gen Z picks TikTok over Biden in election, it may end US democracy