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Supporting Planned Parenthood

To the editor:

I stand in firm support of Planned Parenthood, which provides valuable medical care to women and men in our communities, and the federal funds it receives to provide that care (and NOT abortions). Like so many others, when I was young and poorly insured, I took advantage of some of their services, and thanks to those never had an unwanted pregnancy and never faced a daunting personal decision regarding abortion.

Colleen Miner’s letter dated Feb. 7 was full of “alternate truths” regarding Planned Parenthood and the ability of the young people of the Tri-Lakes to access reproductive health services. The Health Centers that she promotes are wonderful, providing crucial primary medical services to individuals in rural, low-income areas such as ours. And it is true, if they existed in the Tri-Lakes region, many of us living here might take advantage of one for our primary care, including family-planning services. However, the closest Health Center to Saranac Lake is in Malone, a 63-mile drive. How many young people in our towns can easily make that trip?

My original, long-winded letter included information to refute virtually every one of Ms. Miner’s highly emotional points. Accurate information is easily accessed on reputable websites such as the New York Times, the Washington Post and the New York State Department of Health websites. Listing them all is beyond the scope of this letter. I encourage readers to conduct their own research.

Young families in the North Country already struggle with so much, including access to a living income. They don’t need unwanted pregnancies and do need access to high-quality reproductive health care. Citizens of our unique area need to support our young people as they grow up, fall in love and start families, which includes providing affordable local, high-quality health care and family-planning services. Planned Parenthood is a valuable partner in this venture.

To quote Ms. Miner, get the facts. Don’t believe the lies.

Cathy Kraft

Tupper Lake

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