The Morning Mail From Journal Sentinel readers

'COKE MOM' BILL PUTS STATE UP CLOSE, PERSONAL

I am delighted that the Wisconsin Legislature is taking an interest in women's health issues. The implementation and enforcement of the "coke mom" bill offers unlimited opportunities for the state to become more involved in women's reproductive issues.

In order to ensure fetal protection from the moment of conception, it will be necessary to monitor all women of childbearing age and capability regarding their purchase and consumption of alcohol and drugs, as well as any strenuous athletic activities that might be deemed harmful to a
fertilized egg.

The first step of implementation should require morning-after registration with local law enforcement authorities, which will trigger the issuance of a distinctive identification card, perhaps a notched driver's license. This will alert bartenders, restaurant wait staff and liquor and convenience store employees to the condition of the woman attempting to purchase or drink alcohol.

Exceptions would be allowed for women able to provide proper documentation of medically confirmed tubal ligations, contraceptive use or menopausal status. The only effective penalty for noncompliance would be confinement by the state.

There will certainly be many additional opportunities for expanding identification and enforcement procedures as well as the addition of many state employees necessary to monitor the benefits of this Republican legislation for the women of Wisconsin.

Katrina Hass,

Milwaukee