To the editor:

In the wake of 57,500,000 U.S. abortions in the 42 years since Roe v. Wade (1973), our local and national annual March for Life calls for respect for all life, religious tolerance, and human rights for the most defenseless among us — the unborn.

Last week, 5,000 concerned citizens gathered on the steps of our Washington State Capitol Building and Temple of Justice inviting all legislators to stand with them in solidarity. Once again, our 23rd Legislative Delegation (Rolfes/Appleton/Hansen) were AWOL, at work but too busy legislating to give an hour.

In addition to the constituents who called in to our 23rd Democrat legislators that day, some speaking to Senator Rolfes (D-BI) for one, I have contacted all three legislators by Legislative Hotline (1-800-562-6000 ) and emailed requesting they break ranks with the Senate Democratic Caucus’ unity behind Senate Bill 5026, an upgraded version of the Reproductive Parity Act that failed in 2014, requiring coverage for abortion services in employer-provided health plans.  Respect for Constitutional Freedom of Religion will doom this bill again in 2015.

In addition, I challenged each 23rd legislator to support Senate Bill – 5289 Parental Notification (aka Daughters’ Bill). Senate Bill 5289, requiring notification to parents or guardians in cases of abortion, was introduced by Sen. Mike Padden (Spokane Valley-R) on Jan. 19, http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=166531.

Both I and our local legislators share commonality with daughters that deserve nothing less than compassionate concern outlined in SB-5289.  Call/write/visit Senator Rolfes and tell her your thoughts on the Daughters’ Bill and what respect for religious freedom really means to you, her constituents.

JAMES M. OLSEN

Fort Ward