According to Planned
Your recent article about challenges to Planned Parenthood’s zoning permit provided an opportunity for anti-choice activists to mislead the public [“Zone of contention,” The Week, October 19]. While they would have us believe that Planned Parenthood’s sole purpose is the provision of abortions, this could not be further from the truth. In fact, abortions account for a small percentage of the services provided at Planned Parenthood. An overwhelming majority of their services focus on pregnancy prevention and education. Planned Parenthood provides pregnancy testing and counseling as well as on-site adoption services through the Virginia Children’s Home Society. Beginning in April of 2005, pre-natal care will also be available at the facility. Planned Parenthood also offers gynecological exams as well as testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
The most effective way to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortion is by ensuring that women, teens and couples have access to and information about birth control. Planned Parenthood works to achieve this by offering education about a variety of birth control options.
The ability of a woman to control her own fertility is a fundamental human right. The unfortunate fact is that for various personal, social and economic reasons, many women find themselves without the proper educational and medical tools to do so. Perhaps those protesting Planned Parenthood should focus their energies on these issues in order to effectively reduce unintended pregnancy.
Rachel Thielmann
Charlottesville
Not lost in translation
As a language professional, I would like to commend the efforts to provide interpretation to Hispanics who have to deal with the legal and penitentiary systems [“Hablas español?” The Week, October 12]. Not only can this help prevent injustice but it can also help solve crimes.
As the Hispanic population in Virginia continues to grow, the need for interpreters will only increase. A clear awareness of the likely growth pattern and of the specific needs of Hispanic immigrants who speak little English is vital not only to assure access and communication in the court system but also to avoid losing productivity.
Experience shows that the investment is returned many times over. The gains in fairness, productivity and economic vitality are well worth the effort to overcome the language barrier.
Jane Gregg
Orange
Panty raid
Woe is me and shame on you! The ad you printed for Firehouse Bar & Grill advertising their hot and spicy chicken wings using a lingerie-clad woman was offensive and degrading [October 19]. The use of sex and sexuality to sell products is so rampant in our society that railing against it seems futile. But somehow I expect more out of my local liberal rag. Liberalism is not a license to accept advertising that fosters the old sexist stereotypes of women. Cut it out!
Rebecca Keese
Charlottesville
Thumbs up
To Devin O’Leary, who wrote the film review for Woman Thou Art Loosed [Film, October 19]: I think you missed a great opportunity to make this review an encouragement for those older than 18 to see a film with such an impact concerning rape and abuse to young children.
I am not connected in any way to this film, nor am I an African-American. But I thought this film was so real and almost a documentary when it comes to this type of abuse. Corny, no; realistic, yes. It would not hurt to re-evaluate this film.
Mary Lyle Preston
Charlottesville
CORRECTION
Last week’s 7 Days mistakenly placed UVA’s victory over Duke in Chapel Hill. The game was played in Durham, North Carolina.