‘Politics and the Pill’

Kudos to The Times for your editorial “Politics and the Pill” (Oct. 31).

You have focused on two main issues here--abortion is legal in many nations of the world and most certainly in the United States; and, intimidation by any special interest group against a legal right “is unacceptable and must be resisted to the limits of the law.” The French government has rightly made its decision on the production of RU-486 based on medical efficacy and the public health. If a pill can supplant surgery, that is very good.

We also commend your statement: “In the absence of sexual abstinence, the most effective alternative to abortion is contraception.” The public should know that there are family planning clinics throughout Los Angeles County. Planned Parenthood of Los Angeles has nine clinics offering all forms of contraception to men and women without regard to age, income or place of residence.

JOAN GRIGGS BABBOTT, M.D.

Executive Director

Planned Parenthood

Los Angeles