July 13, 2012

Letters to the Editor

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Congress did not consider unintended consequences of government intrusion

In your July 6 editorial, you say that “With the [Obamacare] law upheld, so is … the mandate from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) forcing employers with health care plans, including Catholic institutions, to include payments for abortifacients, sterilizations and contraceptives … [as] part of ‘preventative’ medicine.”

This was not in the original law, but it was a later mandate from HHS. What is to prevent HHS from mandating abortion coverage as “preventative” care in the future?

The letter writer in the July 6 issue is incredibly naive if she thinks this is impossible.

Unfortunately, our representatives in Congress not only did not read the bill before voting on it, but they didn’t consider the unintended consequences of this huge government intrusion.

Health care is a right, but I shouldn’t be forced to pay for abortifacients, contraception and sterilizations.

And I fear abortion may be next.

Ann Dalpiaz | Indianapolis

 

Obesity is a ‘growing problem’ that needs to be better understood and addressed, doctor says

Thank you for the “Growing Problem” graphic in the July 6 issue of The Criterion from the American Heart Association regarding weight struggles among U.S. children. Just the picture and graphic depiction said more than words can describe.

As a physician, I see daily the devastating effects on our community and the overwhelming cost of obesity.

I urge all readers to determine their own BMI (body mass index), and understand their own role in the development of obesity within their own home and community.

You can calculate your BMI with a scale, a measuring tape and by visiting the website www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.

Learn how to change your life and promote a healthy lifestyle by going to www.choosemyplate.gov.

- Dr. Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber | Indianapolis

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