A difficult decision on motherhood
Re “A threat of cancer, a drastic decision,” Column One, April 13
No article that I have ever read in The Times has moved me so much as Anna Gorman’s Column One. For the benefit of others who may face similar medical problems, Gorman has exhibited outstanding character by making public some very personal aspects about herself and her family.
It is obvious that her medical expenses have been very costly. No righteous person should complain because they arose due to no fault of Gorman’s. However, when she and millions of people are facing drastic increases in their medical insurance premiums, partly because of adverse lifestyles of others, there is something wrong with our current system.
Is it fair to the majority to incur part of the medical expenses resulting solely from those who smoke or those who eat improperly to the point that they become obese?
M. LLOYD BAUM
Los Angeles
*
My heart goes out to Gorman. Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 are devastating to the carrier, and no young woman should have to make the type of life-or-death decisions she made.
But why on earth did she rush to have children when there is a high probability that one or both of her daughters will inherit this disorder and have to go through the same ordeal? I just don’t understand.
JAN HANSEN
Los Angeles