
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 1, 1993                   TAG: 9309300286
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DEPLORABLE TARGETING TACTICS

THE RECENT tactics of Ron Hedlund and the Pro-Life Action Coalition have no role in the abortion debate and should not be condoned by members on either side of this issue. Bulk mailing of incriminating cards to physicians and neighbors to target well-respected members of our local medical community should not be tolerated (Aug. 21 news story by Cody Lowe, "Anti-abortionist regrets timing"). Similar calculated acts around the country have led to violent reprisals and such acts place health-care workers and their families in vulnerable and potentially dangerous positions.

The Medical Society of Virginia and the Roanoke Valley Academy of Medicine do not take sides in the abortion issue; however, all physicians should abhor these tactics by the Pro-Life Action Coalition. Health-care workers in Virginia must be allowed to practice in safety under the laws of the commonwealth and not live each day in fear for themselves or their families.

The appropriate direction for the Pro-Life Action Coalition is to work through customary political channels to change public opinion and the law. Such avenues are the foundation of our democratic society and deviations from this pathway eventually threaten us all.

F. JACKSON BALLENGER, M.D.

President

Roanoke Valley Academy of Medicine

ROANOKE

by CNB