I feel I must correct and clarify some of the statements in Lisa Daigle’s article on birth control.

At the time of the interview, I had no available statistics and told Ms. Daigle that I could not comment about whether a national trend existed for using abortion as a method of birth control. I did state that the patients I see with an unintentional pregnancy experience stress no matter what option they choose and that they do not make a decision of termination in a casual manner. It is an upsetting situation for the individual, and most wish they had practiced abstinence or an effective method of contraception.

The clinic does not provide every patient with names and phone numbers of different services. Whether she is continuing or terminating her pregnancy, some women already have the information they need. Only if a woman requests specific information, such as how to find an obstetrician, a counselor or a clinic, is she given phone numbers.

The pre-session classes are not limited to first time birth control users. Attendance is encouraged and may be required for others using contraceptive services of the Gynecology Clinic.

The goal of the Gyne Clinic is not to persuade but to provide appropriate and compassionate medical care.

Linda K. Liston, M.D.,

University Health Center