I write in response to Karen’s Corner “Who’s in bed with whom?” from the Jan. 12 issue. Being a mother of a fifth-grade daughter who is about to experience the first round of the puberty education class, I was very interested in what Mrs. Vachon had to say. Although I do not always agree with her opinions, she has often in the past gotten me to ponder a number of issues I would not otherwise and help me move outside my “comfort zone.” I have a number of responses to Mrs. Vachon, but will share just one in this public letter.

I was greatly dismayed to read her assault on Margaret Sanger. Although Ms. Sanger was and still is a controversial figure in American History, Mrs. Vachon’s depiction of her is distorted and horribly misleading to those who do not know Margaret Sanger and her connection with Planned Parenthood. As a nurse, Ms. Sanger made significant contributions to women’s and minority health, the community health and community mental health movements (both here and abroad), and was a voice for those who could not afford or were not allowed to voice their opinion regarding comprehensive health care and fair working conditions. Did Ms. Sanger lead a controversial life? Yes. Did she associate with those who now are widely accepted as racists and bigots? Yes. However, this does not and should not diminish her nearly 60 years of devotion to and support of reproductive health for women and offering nurturance, healthcare, and guidance to those who had no other place to go.

I encourage readers to go to the Web sites below, which are all nonsectarian, and form your own opinions regarding this pioneering woman. Good sites include www.ana.org, www.times.com, www.nyu.edu.projects/sanger/, www.womensenews.org, www.sparticus.schoolnet.co.uk/Jsanger.htm.

Abigail Ordway

Scarborough