Declawing is animal cruelty. Over 40 other countries have banned it. 
North America (should I say the AVMA) is really trying to resist any possible change (to their bank accounts) by condoning this procedure and allowing it to continue. 
This piece was barely an opinion. The author states she does not believe in declawing and then goes on to say she thinks it should be an option. 
She mentions a few true facts in her article, and a few speculations presented as facts, which is confusing. Maybe she could look into how well other countries are doing without mutilating their pets? If 40 other countries can make this procedure illegal, so can North America. No excuses. Amputation and mutilation (she also mentions the disgusting practice of debarking) are animal cruelty. Period. 
This "opinion" piece only hurts cats due to poor research.