From the Hip is a series of short commentaries on items culled from the ADA News and other organized dentistry mouthpieces. Each is the opinion of the editor noted, and does not necessarily represent the policy or platform of AIDA.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE OR PRO-CHOICE???????

                                              (WHAT WAS THE QUESTION????)

US News and World Report, 3/23/98

USNWR reports that PARCA, the patient rights legislation proposed by Rep. Charles Norwood (R, Ga.) and rightly supported by the ADA, has achieved blindside opposition from an unpredictable source.  Anti-abortion activist Phllis Schafly has joined the fray asking anti-abortion legislators to oppose PARCA because it does not include language specifically exempting abortion services. 

Well, Phyllis, neither did  any of the other hundreds of pieces of legislation before Congress this year.  In fact, a one issue house is often call a church, Phyllis, not Congress.  I urge thinking dentists, and even the others not to let this clear obfuscation to alter their views or support for PARCA.  Regardless of your views on the abortion issue, we cannot let that be used as a wedge to confuse any meaningful health and patient rights legislation.  We urge Ms. Schafly to pursue her cause the right way, by lobbying a supporting Congressperson to introduce a bill surrounding her issue.   Don't put down a useful idea that will benefit the public because of clearly lateral issue.

Stay on track!!!

Editor, K. Randall Groh, DDS

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8American Independent Dentist's Association
Last update 03/22/98