Sound Off!: December 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Apt and Frightening

Subject: The Worldwide Danger of Religious Fundamentalism

Hello Mr. Whitehead, your commentary, "The Worldwide Danger of Religious Fundamentalism," is very apt and frightening as we here in Canada have had attacks from the militants. But Islamics are not the only radicals that use fear tactics. Homosexuals here and in your country use the same tactics ( without the death threat). Fundamental belief even drives the homosexuals to applaud the homosexual band that will be involved in the inauguration but loudly criticize a pastor from being involved.

Canada has seen a Pastor ordered never to write, speak or say anything critical of homosexual behavior, a printer was fined thousands of dollars for refusing to print objectionable material., and the list goes on. Thanks for your continued education of the people. -- Brian R.

Abortion and the Lack of Health Coverage

Subject: Abortion Politics Isn't Saving Lives

Thank you so much for your column on abortion politics.

I have personally witnessed, during my work as an anesthetist, a mother tearfully coming to the OB OR for a termination of pregnacny. She did not want to do this. Through her sobs she told me that she had done everything she could do to have a healthy pregnancy. However, her husband is self employed and the timing of the conception was prior to their marriage. She had no previous insurance of her own. Apparenty, the 16 week ultrasound showed a conjenital heart defect that could have been fixed with surgery after the baby's birth. However, the health insurance used a loophole of the HIPAA act to deny prenatal or birth care under the clause of "prexisting condition." They have an individual health insurance policy as opposed to group coverage. This woman told me that they could not afford to continue with the pregnancy since the insurance would not pay for the care.

Because of HIPAA confidentiality, I cannot go into detail but I can tell you that there is an alarmingly increasing trend of pregnant mothers foregoing prenatal care and even attempting home births due to lack of health coverage. I have seen tragic loss of life from lack of adequate prenatal care. When there is a medical crisis, the expectant mother seeks medical help but often too late.

If the conservative Christians hold their vote accountable to God, surely they would also hold providing help to pregnant mothers accountable to God as well. Thank you so much for your insight and concern. -- Joan