Re-evaluate policies on women’s health

After reading Berna Gingra’s letter (May 16) in support of Plan B, I thought about the steps our country has taken to prevent unwanted pregnancy. In the 1960s, the advent of the birth control pill was heralded as an answer to unplanned pregnancy. In the 1970s, the Supreme Court added legalized abortion because the pill was not enough. In addition hormonal injections and implants were made available.

These treatments are considered to be “health care.” Now we just need contraception devices to be provided free and Plan B to be available over the counter to girls of any age. As we move down this path we have sexually transmitted diseases that are out of control.

The United States has one of the highest rates of premature birth among nations. An article published by the BBC ranked the U.S. only 30th among nations for providing best care of mothers and children. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-22430608) Do you see anything wrong with our perception of women’s health?

Carol Van Der Woude

Hoffman Estates