For women residing in State College and surrounding areas it is a long road to travel for safe and legal abortions . . . a road that has been too far for too long.

Now women must travel two hours one-way to a Harrisburg abortion clinic. A clinic should be set up in the Centre Region area to provide for better health care.

A clinic would prevent physical, emotional and financial hardship for many University students because the majority of women who obtain abortions are younger than 30.

Also, a clinic would reduce the obstacles faced by poor women and women living in the rural areas of Centre Region trying to obtain abortions.

Throughout the debate about laws restricting abortion rights, pro-choice groups have always touted the phrase -- safe and legal access to abortions. Instead of just saying it, local pro-choice groups should work together to make it happen here in State College.

Penn State Pro-Choice, the Ni-Ta-Nee National Organization for Women, Centre Countians for Choice, the Undergraduate Student Government Department of Women's Concerns and other concerned citizens should band together to make the path for women's health smoother.