Planned Parenthood: Another viewpoint
In "Maria, Planned Parenthood, and How Nursing Chose Me" (Issues in Nursing, January 2019), the author explained in very warm terms how her encounter with a patient at Planned Parenthood (PP) inspired her to choose nursing as a profession. However, the article took an abrupt turn when she expounded on the goodness and necessity of PP clinics. Her main point was that women (and some men) would suffer if these clinics become unavailable because of the abortion services they provide and argues that PP offers many basic healthcare services besides abortion. But in January, PP's president stated on Twitter that the organization's "core mission is providing, protecting, and expanding access to abortion and reproductive healthcare ... it's a fundamental human right and women's lives are at stake."1
There is indeed a fundamental human right-our right to life. I would like to believe that the author of this article is not truly knowledgeable about the core mission of PP. Maria was one woman who was helped by PP. Sadly, women who have abortions may experience feelings of anxiety, depression, and regret for the "choice" they felt they had to make at that time.2
I am sure this author meant well and believes PP provides compassionate healthcare. I suggest that she open her mind to the reality of how PP operates and how little they actually care for women.
-ROSE D'ADAMO, BSN, RN
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
REFERENCES
1. @DrLeanaWen. First, our core mission is providing, protecting and expanding access to abortion and reproductive health care. We will never back down from that fight - it's a fundamental human right and women's lives are at stake. https://twitter.com/DrLeanaWen/status/1082660986513960966. Posted January 8, 2019. [Context Link]
2. Babbel S. Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) - does it exist. Psychol Today. 2010. http://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/somatic-psychology/201010/post-abortion-s. [Context Link]
It is admirable that the author chose nursing as a career, but it seems her view of PP has been warped by rose-colored glasses. Nurses have pledged to do no harm and one would think that would include upholding the sanctity of human life, disparaging the practice of eliminating the unborn, and giving protection to life from conception to natural death. Our nation's conscience cannot settle for anything less.
-LYNNE CAULFIELD, RN, CRNI
CHARLOTTE, VT.
Nutritional support for critically ill children
I am an RN currently enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program. In "Incorporating the Latest Pediatric Nutrition Support Guidelines into Clinical Practice" (February 2019), the authors stated that critically ill children need optimal nutritional support to improve patient outcomes and decrease mortality. After reading this article, I will commit to staying abreast of current innovations in the nutritional support of critically ill children. I greatly appreciate the attention you have given to this very essential topic.
-YULIYA LEONTIEVA, RN
BROOKLYN, N.Y.