Mailbag: Questions surround use of fetal tissue

I don’t know if Planned Parenthood is getting a bad rap, but I wanted to comment on several of the statements in this piece (“Commentary: Planned Parenthood getting a bad rap,” Aug. 1):

“Planned Parenthood treats every one of its clients with respect and dignity.” To which I would say except for the baby.

“The result of an abortion procedure is the dispelling of fetal tissue — not the dispelling of a baby.” If it is just fetal tissue, why are the “fetal tissue” parts so important in terms of human medicine? Why are the donated/sold parts referred to by their human body part names? And what pregnant woman in history has made the statement, “I’m having a fetus” when she is pregnant?

“Is there any real difference between organ donation and fetal tissue donation?” I would say yes. In organ donation, the donor makes the choice to donate his or her body parts at the time of death. In fetal tissue donation, the baby (or fetus) has no choice in the matter.

The writer states that Planned Parenthood makes no profit from the sale/donation of the body parts. How can anyone be so sure without an investigation?

Lastly, I would ask at what point did the writer become Lynne and I become Linda? Was it at 12 weeks or 24 weeks or 36 weeks? Or was everything that made her uniquely Lynne and me uniquely Linda contained in that moment of conception?”

Planned Parenthood may be providing wonderful services to women of all ages, as the commentary describes. But that doesn’t mean that everything it does is wonderful, legal or above scrutiny.

Linda Magstadt

Newport Beach

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Group provides necessary health services

Thank you, Daily Pilot editors, for publishing Lynne Riddle’s cogent comments on the outrageous accusations regarding Planned Parenthood.

I don’t see any of these people who are so bent on destroying Planned Parenthood stepping up to take care of these women — and men — in need of medical services. It is a mystery to me how they can call themselves Christians when they go so far out of their way to lie to so viciously attack such a historically splendid organization.

Nora Lehman

Costa Mesa

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