'NOT FORCED'

Regarding the Sept. 14 front-page article, "Targeting addicts with birth
control": I feel this program is an unfortunate yet innovative solution to a
pervasive problem.

Instead of offering monetary incentives for sterilization, it would be ideal
if we could treat these drug-addicted women and get them to stop taking
illegal drugs while they are pregnant. It would be ideal to assure that all
the women who use drugs get access to temporary birth control like condoms.
It would be ideal to give all drug-abusing women prenatal support if they do
find themselves pregnant to deter on-going drug use. It would certainly be
ideal to target men as well as women with incentives for birth control.

Finally, it would be ideal if all women and men who procreated were
prepared, made a conscious choice, and took parent education classes to
ensure that their children grow up with their basic needs met in addition to
the love and encouragement they deserve.

If we were to see parenting as a privilege and not a right, would we view
this new CRACK program differently? These women are being given a choice. It
is not forced. If administrators follow several important treatment
recommendations CRACK is in compliance with necessary measures to ensure
appropriate care.

It is important to ensure that precautions are taken whereby the woman is
given appropriate counseling prior to her choice. She must be treated by the
same standards effective in any hospital for the procedure. She should be
given appropriate after care counseling and drug treatment resources.

Stephanie Parmely, Fresno