Bill is gov. overreach into patients’ lives
The so-called “Second Chance at Life Act” (HB 2982) that is on its way to Gov. Justice’s desk is clearly not about putting patients first. It is about weakening the concept of informed consent, a central tenet of health care, by forcing clinicians to tell patients — incorrectly — that they can reverse a medication abortion.
Trust is an essential component of any clinician-patient relationship. Forcing a medical professional to tell patients mistruths that are not evidence-based and do not reflect the best medical information automatically compromises that relationship. The fact is, medication abortion is a safe procedure. Its “reversal” has not been clinically studied or validated, and women in need of an abortion should be treated with respect, not coercion.
As clinicians who are dedicated to caring for women, this bill runs counter to our professional and ethical obligations to our patients. It inserts confusion and stigma into the open, honest conversations we have with our patients and forces us to steer them to unproven and false information. That’s why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — which represents 60,000 medical professionals dedicated to women’s health — opposes this bill and similar laws in other states.
This bill would erode on our liberties as patient-focused, medically trained clinicians, and it is intended to strip away at our patients’ reproductive decision-making and autonomy. We urge Gov. Justice to veto this harmful example of government overreach into our patients’ lives and our medical practices.
Thomas Harman
Lena Cerbone
Morgantown
Anti-trans bill will scare people away from state
Gov. Justice, I am a West Virginian by choice and have been so for over 40 years.
There have been many things about the state and the state government that I have not necessarily agreed with, however, the positives have definitely outweighed any negatives. However, with the bill now before you requiring transgender individuals to participate pre-college as the gender indicated on their birth certificate is very disheartening to me. The enactment of this bill either with or without your signature will cause me to reconsider my decision to be a West Virginian.
It is very confusing to me to offer individuals substantial funding to move to the state, but then to disenfranchise a group of people who’s children are transgender. As a state, do we want growth in population but only from specific individuals with specific beliefs and specific lifestyles? In my opinion this is a slippery slope. What will be next? Would love to have you moved to West Virginia as long as you’re not: x, y and/or z?
Again, I urge you as a responsible individual and as the leader of this state to ensure that this bill does not go into law. Your veto will help ensure this does not happen.
Richard Dumas
Morgantown
Step up outreach to people wary of vaccines
Remember when we were so proud that West Virginia led the nation in the coronavirus vaccine rollout? Number one! We don’t hear that often when it comes to health statistics. Everyone wanted to know our secret. The national press interviewed Gov. Justice, wanting to use our plan as a model.
Now we are in a race to the bottom. West Virginia has dropped steadily in the rankings for rates of vaccinations. Fourteenth from the bottom a few days ago. Wednesday, 10th. Thursday, ninth from last among the 50 states, according to the CDC as reported in New York Times. We are stalled out at 35% with at least one dose.
Other states’ percentages of vaccinations climb by several points per day. New Hampshire, at number one, is approaching 60%. By contrast, it might take West Virginia a whole week to climb one point. And I’m not sure even that rate of gain will continue.
We need more people vaccinated to reach herd immunity. We need to reach herd immunity to shut down this pandemic. We need herd immunity if we want a shot at stopping the new and more contagious variants.
Let’s ask Gov. Justice, Clay Marsh and our elected leaders to ramp up efforts to reach the vaccine-hesitant and resistant. West Virginia could again be a model for the nation in reaching the reluctant with an effective public health campaign.
This is a community issue. We are all in this together.
Gwen Bergner
Morgantown
Woman can walk again thanks to WVU doctors
I’m writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude for the care from WVU, ER, doctors, nurses, surgical staff and everyone who literally helped me walk again.
On March 17, 2018, I was admitted to the WVU ER for a gunshot wound to my right foot. Dr. Hubbard’s first thought was probable amputation.
Upon arrival at the ER, I requested a phone to call my friend, Dr. Clay Marsh, to tell him what happened, and I remember nothing after that phone call.
After 13 days and five surgeries, I was released to go home and begin an extended rehabilitation. Today I am well, working and living a “back to normal” life — or as much as can be expected.
So, I’m sending a great big thank you, with love, to my family, friends, WVU and all who helped me through this traumatic time and to let you know how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness and care.
Robin Scott
Bruceton Mills
