Several weeks ago I received the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. Earlier in September, I was endorsed by Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington.

Typically, NARAL doesn’t make endorsements in Seattle races because most candidates for office in this city are strongly progressive and deeply pro-choice.

Dr. Deborah Oyer Endorses Mike (click for video)

This race is the exception, and my opponent’s position on choice has raised serious concerns for people who believe that a woman’s right to choose is important and should be protected. According to NARAL, “Robert Rosencrantz stands apart from the field as the only anti-choice contender for a seat on the council . . . [he] has publicly stated that he supports such anti-choice measures as parental notification for a young woman seeking abortion care.”

In contrast, says NARAL Pro-Choice Washington Executive Director Lauren Simonds, “Mike O’Brien has demonstrated his commitment to women’s rights and health, and he will be a champion for reproductive freedom in elected office. He strongly supports funding for women’s health care as well as comprehensive sexual health education in our schools.”

This raises some obvious but important question. Since choice tends to be subject to state and federal laws, does Seattle City Council really have a role to play when it comes to women’s reproductive rights? Should voters weigh our positions on choice as they decide who to vote for in this race?

Here’s why I think that voters should care where City Council members stand on the issue of choice.

• For teens and low-income women, public health clinics are often the best—and only—place to go for access to contraception and emergency morning-after pills, and for family planning and abortion counseling. These clinics are jointly funded by the city and King County, and the county is dramatically reducing public health funding and closing clinics. With the city’s budget also under strain, City Council will almost certainly face difficult decisions over providing continuing funding to health clinics in Seattle. I am committed to fighting to ensure that there is full funding to support access to family planning services in health clinics in Seattle.

• The City Council will start work on the Families and Education Levy next year. It currently funds a range of health services in our schools, including reproductive health, contraception, and family planning. I’m committed to ensuring that the Families and Education Levy maintains the programs that the city offers today.

Will Robert Rosencrantz fight hard to fund programs that support something he doesn’t believe in?

The answer to this question is unclear at best.

There are other areas where the issue of choice can impact our lives in Seattle. Rosencrantz has publicly stated that he supports anti-choice measures such as parental notification when a young woman is seeking abortion care. And he has refused to provide clear answers to questions about whether he believes doctors and pharmacists who are anti-choice should be able to deny women access to care.

I believe these are important issues that can have a deep impact on the lives of women in this city. How we address them says a lot about what kind of city we want to live in. I am deeply committed to progressive values and I believe strongly in the importance of ensuring that all women have access to the services and care that they need. I know that many of you share my beliefs.