In a Sept. 1 letter (“Planned Parenthood PAC faulted for slick pro-abortion effort”), Pat Truman makes several disclaimers: “According to the news . . .”; “Apparently the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund . . .”; and “. . . continuing reports state . . .”

She then cites opinion, undocumented statements and “cherry-picked” facts – information that’s true but has a totally different meaning when out of context, or “cherry-picked.”

Early in my medical training I learned first, “Do no harm” (basically, the Hippocratic Oath), and second, to balance risk against benefit.

Oral contraceptives (and all drugs, starting with aspirin) have significant risks, which is why a physician must prescribe them or there are warning labels.

True, in some cases, “the pill” could be detrimental to women’s health. But if we look only at risks we would never take any drug, so we also look at the benefits, and that Ms. Truman fails to do. The risks she mentions are real, but far outweighed by the benefits.

The writer states, “Truth is a critical commodity . . .” (no objection there), and then seems to conflate abortion and access to birth control, claiming that Planned Parenthood’s bidding would be to vote pro-abortion.

Though some feel that pregnancy prevention is abortion, most, I think, would not agree. And there’s the undocumented implication that Mike Michaud would support abortion.

Control over one’s own body functions is critical, and in this instance is exemplified in the freedom to be pregnant, or not to be pregnant.

How many unwanted children are there? How many uncared-for, for economic reasons? And in those cultures lacking in food, clothing and education, how many more? Could we bear it if we knew?

In Truman’s penultimate paragraph, she mentions that we are a compassionate people. I agree with that, and would urge Truman to consider that more deeply.

Richard K. Jennings, M.D.

Brunswick