To the editor: As a physician and medical administrator, I can ensure that doctors want to provide the necessary medical care to their patients. This includes those who perform abortions. (“When asked to clarify abortion bans, Republican leaders blame doctors and misinformation for confusion,” March 12)
But the threat of criminal prosecution for violating vaguely worded bans on abortion passed into law in Republican-led states has a chilling effect. Criminal proceedings are not covered by medical malpractice insurance, so the costs of mounting a defense fall solely on the doctor.
Reputable specialty medical organizations (such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society) and government agencies have developed detailed guidelines for providing care. Doctors are used to following these guidelines.
In states that have banned abortions but where politicians say they are allowed to save a woman's life, all doctors want is for those governments to develop clear guidelines. If they can't do it (which South Dakota state Sen. Erin Tobin, a forced-birth advocate, admits), exceptions to the bans exist only on paper.
No matter how forced birth advocates try to blame doctors and not themselves for public disapproval of their faith-based efforts, doctors will continue to refuse to perform abortions in those states.
And I think the American public is smart enough to know that doctors are right.
Dr. Daniel Fink, Beverly Hills
..
To the editor: Thank you for clearing up the confusion on the issue of abortion.
Clearly, columnist Michael Hiltzik's article about efforts in Republican-led states to fight federal regulations aimed at removing lead from water should horrify us all.
However, it could explain the confusion over abortion bans in many of these same states. Perhaps it is the dangerous level of lead in the water that has caused confusion in the brains of Republican politicians who refuse to spend money to rectify the situation.
If only there was a remedy before November.
Marley Sims, Valley Town
