Proper terminologies

Who in the world placed authority to determine the definition of abortion in the state Board of Health, which, in addition to MDs, is also composed of an optometrist, a veterinarian, an engineer, a chiropractor, a dentist and a pharmacist?

One of the members, Dr. Clark Fincher, wants to require women who are pregnant to be told that an abortion is the same as “killing her baby.” Does he also propose to require that men having vasectomies be told the procedure will be killing millions of sperm, which are potential babies?

The good doctor from Searcy has decided that members should vote their consciences. Does he realize that in so voting, he is refusing a woman her constitutional right (see Roe v. Wade, sir) to make her own decisions about her body?

It is not in the best interest of a 13-year-old who has been impregnated by a family member to carry a pregnancy to full term. It is not in the best interest of a young mother of four who has just lost health insurance, or her husband lost a job, to carry another pregnancy to full term. There are numerous other instances in which a woman should not be reminded of the heartbreaking decision she is making.

To the male members of the Board of Health, I suggest that “termination of pregnancy” is a proper term.

LEE JONES Little Rock