Readers write: Care for pregnant mothers; Where’s Bernie?; GOP can take its time
Care for pregnant mothers
Regarding the March 14 cover story, “Prescription: contact”: I congratulate the Monitor for showing the importance of humane, natural approaches to treating neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). What is missing are references to the proper treatment for the pregnant women.
Most people do not become addicted when using heroin or pain medications. Women who become addicted usually have significant psychiatric problems, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, depression, etc. These disorders are often ignored, and patients may seek tranquilizers and alcohol.
In my experience, pregnant women’s stress is the most important contributor to NAS. These women need support. And we must protect them from people and agencies who berate them.
Heinz Aeschbach, MD
Austin, Texas
Where’s Bernie?
Regarding the March 14 One Week article “Republican Party’s identity crisis”: You noticeably did not mention Bernie Sanders. I felt pretty good about Hillary Clinton as a candidate until the blackout of Mr. Sanders’s campaign in the media became so glaring that I repeatedly wondered whether he was still running. I count on the Monitor to provide an alternative to mainstream thinking and this was disappointing.
Caroline Goodell
Seattle
GOP can take its time
Regarding the March 28 Decoder column, “Person vs. principle for the Supreme Court”: While I prefer that Merrick Garland’s confirmation proceed according to regular order, the Republican majority in the Senate has every right not to conduct hearings on this nomination. The American people understand what is at stake and will consider conservative intransigence when deciding whom to support for president in November. And if Hillary Clinton is elected and Democrats take control of the Senate, then Republicans can consider Mr. Garland’s nomination in the lame duck Congress prior to the inauguration.
Paul Bloustein
Cincinnati
