Letters to Editor: Paying for treatment

On November 28, I had a cataract removed from my right eye at the Hawke's Bay Hospital and was told that if I have any changes to my eye to see my GP or the emergency department.

On Friday, December 9, due to feeling I had something in my eye I went and saw my GP which cost me $10.

That was fine by me but, on Saturday early evening, I was in pain so went to Wellesley Rd and showed them the discharge summary I was given, as I was under the impression that was where Napier people should go to for emergency treatment.

Yes I was seen to but they could not find anything wrong and told me if it got worse to go back and they would get an emergency doctor in.

When I took the piece of paper to the reception I was given a bill for $47, when I queried this I was told that they are not subsidised and if I hadn't had a community card it would have been $60 and if I went to Hastings it would be free but I would have to wait five hours to be seen.

No wonder people who can travel to Hastings go and get free treatment, which clogs up the emergency department there hence the long waits to be seen.

As I presumed this would be free of charge, I did not pay $47 but I only have seven days to pay it.

Please, please, is this fair to Napier people, I don't think so, so has anyone got any answers to this problem?Eunice BrownNapier

Overall well-beingThose who oppose the protesters' stand outside Hawke's Bay Hospital should realise that these pro-life supporters are not only concerned about the 500 unborn babies that lose their lives in its "health" clinic every year, but are also concerned about the well-being of the mothers.

The legal reason for abortion is that the pregnancy is a risk to the mother's mental health.

But surveys have shown that having an abortion is much more likely to endanger a mother's health than giving birth to a baby.

The emotional trauma and feelings of guilt subsequent to an abortion often lead to depression and, sometimes, suicide.

In addition, women who are "counselled" prior to an abortion are not told of the increased risk of breast cancer from having a pregnancy suddenly halted.

The natural changes that take place in a woman during pregnancy, when interrupted, can result in cancerous growth in cell tissues.

In the British journal of cancer, 2004, Patrick Carroll stated that legally induced abortion, especially before the first full-term pregnancy, was the "best predictor of British breast cancer trends".

And in the US between 1987 and 1998 (since abortion was legalised) breast cancer rates had climbed more than 40 per cent.

It's not more sex education or access to contraception that young women need, it's the truth about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effects of abortion on their overall well-being.

Also, that the only safe, natural and normal place for sex is within marriage.Margaret BurgessHastings