Hampton Branch Library
TPCN Is No Alternative at All
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 29, 2007
Dear Editor,
The article about the Texas Pregnancy Care Network entitled "No Real Alternative" [News, Jan. 26] grabbed my attention. It essentially addresses the contract that the Texas Health and Human Services Committee signed in March '06 with the TPCN. The waste of taxpayer money as well as the elimination of health-care services for women astounded me. Two facts seem especially upsetting: 1) The money for TPCN diverted funds from traditional agencies such as Planned Parenthood which have been the sole health resource for many women for prevention of unintended pregnancy as well as early breast-cancer detection, etc.; and 2) since its funding to the tune of $1.7 million, the TCPN has served 11 women whereas the money could have been used for 8,000 women if granted to the traditional agencies. Also the allocation of state funds for a "private business" as described by its executive director amazed me.
I realize that abortion is a sticky issue for legislators, and it often confuses the discussion of health care for women. However this kind of punitive and wasteful funding is neither fair nor appropriate.
The article about the Texas Pregnancy Care Network entitled "No Real Alternative" [News, Jan. 26] grabbed my attention. It essentially addresses the contract that the Texas Health and Human Services Committee signed in March '06 with the TPCN. The waste of taxpayer money as well as the elimination of health-care services for women astounded me. Two facts seem especially upsetting: 1) The money for TPCN diverted funds from traditional agencies such as Planned Parenthood which have been the sole health resource for many women for prevention of unintended pregnancy as well as early breast-cancer detection, etc.; and 2) since its funding to the tune of $1.7 million, the TCPN has served 11 women whereas the money could have been used for 8,000 women if granted to the traditional agencies. Also the allocation of state funds for a "private business" as described by its executive director amazed me.
I realize that abortion is a sticky issue for legislators, and it often confuses the discussion of health care for women. However this kind of punitive and wasteful funding is neither fair nor appropriate.
Jean Avera