Many Illnesses Rise From Social Causes

James Flanigan reports in “U.S. Health-Care System Getting a Dose of Reality” (Sept. 29) that the proposed Oregon Health Plan will not cover “low birth weight (which) is not a medical problem, but results from social causes, such as malnutrition, lack of prenatal care, poor housing.”

Is this the beginning of a slide down a slippery slope?

Lung cancer caused by voluntary abuse of tobacco is not a medical problem, but a social one. Coronary artery disease caused by lack of exercise, smoking, overeating and a high-fat diet that results in hypercholesterolemia is by Oregon’s criteria not a medical problem.

Cerebrovascular disease resulting in stroke and paralysis because of untreated hypertension would likewise not be a medical problem. It is a social problem. AIDS resulting from intravenous drug abuse would also be judged not to be a medical problem in Oregon. It is a social problem.

It would seem that with bureaucratic fiat redefining what is and what is not a medical problem, Oregon would not only save money but would have far fewer medical problems--even though a greater number of its citizens would be dead and dying.

SYLVAIN FRIBOURG MD

Panorama City