Medical Research

In response to The Times’ Interview with Dr. Bernadine Healy, Opinion, July 26:

Dr. Healy (director of the National Institutes of Health) rightfully outlines the concerns for the future of biomedical research in the U.S., and in the NIH, which have been preeminent in their fields of activity. However, she exhibited faulty reasoning in stating that it is unfortunate that contraception and abortion are sometimes linked. This is as unrealistic as would be stating that it is unfortunate that sex and sexually transmitted diseases are linked.

The right to choose abortion, although a minor segment of total reproductive health of women, cannot be de-linked from contraception, as even the most effective and conscientiously used contraceptives can occasionally result in failure. The right of women to choose abortion is a fundamental position of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Assn. and the American Public Health Assn.

Another area in which Healy exhibits inconsistent reasoning is in her plea for greater support of academic freedom and of scientific (intellectual) pursuits. But she cannot support use of fetal tissue in the research needed to conquer Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, among other serious neurological disorders. No one should enter a battle with one hand tied behind his back, as a scientist must on entering a Bush Administration-directed research program.

KEITH P. RUSSELL MD

Los Angeles

Russell is a past president of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at USC.