Abortion Debate
Once again, when reporting the anti-abortionists’ illegal blockade of medical facilities (“82 Arrested Protesting Abortions,” June 11), the focus was on the blockaders and the police, and not on the patients whose rights were being violated.
It doesn’t matter if these patients were seeking abortions, prenatal care or even a routine gynecological examination. All patients have a right to see their physicians at their scheduled time. They have a right to privacy, free of any harassment by self-appointed zealots who believe they know what is best for everyone.
Under the cover of “religion,” these anti-abortion activists are endangering not only the lives and well-being of women, but also the rights of each one of us. Today they don’t approve of abortion; tomorrow, it may be voluntary sterilization. Where does this harassment end? How many men would like the world to know that they are visiting their urologist to have a vasectomy?
The “right to privacy” in the physician-patient relationship is cherished by all Americans. It is time each of us speaks up for that right. If we don’t, we may all lose it.
ROBERT J. HASTERLIK, M.D.
La Jolla
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