Pubdate: Mon, 22 Mar 1999
Date: 03/22/1999
Source: Calgary Sun (Canada)
Author: Danny Terwey
Note: Parethetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by hawk

OFTEN, THE editorial remarks following letters to the editor seem
hostile and ignorant. I'd like to protest one of the most recent.
Scynthia Ross ended her letter with the statement: "The government has
no right to dictate to adults what they can or can not put into their
bodies." The reply was: "Yes they can, they do and they should. Care
for some thalidomide, Scynthia?

"For the record, I'd like to point out there are accepted beneficial
uses for thalidomide ( leprosy, I believe). That it can result in
birth defects simply rules out its use in cases where a pregnancy
might be compromised. Should ignorant governments prevent legitimate
use just because of potential misuse?

Danny Terwey (Canada doesn't have a leprosy problem, Danny.)