Letter to the editor

Clearly distinguish licensed reproductive health clinics

Wed, 05/18/2022 - 1:00pm

Because accurate and timely information from legitimate healthcare providers is essential for making the best choices for ourselves and our families, we have become increasingly concerned about the 11 so-called "Women's Centers, Women Resource Centers, or Crisis Pregnancy Centers” that operate throughout Maine, including Zoe's Women's Center in Rockport and First Step Pregnancy Resource Center in Bangor.

These centers advertise as places where women can go at no cost to confirm pregnancies and examine “all their options,” while their primary objective is to convince women to avoid abortions.  Not regulated by HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), they can share personal information with others.  

Unexpected pregnancy can present a crisis, and individuals need and deserve accurate, unbiased information about all the options including abortion.  We must make a clear distinction between licensed reproductive health clinics – like Mabel Wadsworth, Maine Family Planning, and Planned Parenthood – and these “fake clinics” that seek to advance their anti-abortion, manipulative agenda.

Belfast Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights (GRR)
Andree Bella, Belfast
Mayo Bulloch, Belfast
Lisa Kushner, Belfast
Elayne Richard, Fairfield
Linda St. Peter, Belfast
Sarah Werkman, Belmont