Telemedicine limits would hurt health care

The article, “Branstad, Culver spar on telemedicine abortion debate,” as posted Oct. 8 on TheGazette.com, shows Terry Branstad's lack of concern for Iowans' health.

Branstad, based solely on personal ideology, vocalized his support for eliminating Planned Parenthood of the Heartland's telemedicine program. Branstad made these comments without considering the logical consequences of such an action.

Branstad is opposed to telemedicine abortion because the physician prescribing the Mifepristone is not physically in the room with the patient upon consultation. Branstad ignores the fact that the patient is physically examined by another health care professional before this electronic consultation.

Based on this logic, other equivalent forms of telemedicine also would have to be eliminated, including those used by Veterans Affairs and mental health professionals.

You cannot outlaw Planned Parenthood's telemedicine program simply because it provides abortions you find to be morally impermissible and thus leave other telemedicine programs untouched. You would have to change the law as it relates to telemedicine in general.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland is in full compliance with Iowa law. As Gov. Chet Culver stated, Branstad cannot pick and choose. A large number of Iowans living in rural areas depend on telemedicine for a variety of reasons. Without this technology, their ability to access health care services would be extremely limited.

Outlawing Planned Parenthood of the Heartland's telemedicine abortion program would have a serious impact on the quality of health care these Iowans receive.

Ronni McCoy

Cedar Rapids