A recent letter in the PDN (Oct. 27), supporting Ann Marie Henninger for our public hospital commissioner position began with addressing the writer’s preferred natural family planning method, went on to note that Obria refers patients for family planning services and proceeded to endorse Henninger.
Wondering how this was germane to the public hospital district position, I checked out how all this related to Henninger.
It appears Henninger has spent considerable time working and volunteering for organization(s) which attempt to limit women’s health care options, provide biased information that is not always supported by medical evidence, and is apparently an advocate of natural family planning over other scientifically proven methods.
While it is everyone’s prerogative to work toward what they believe in, it is concerning that these strongly held beliefs and work history have not been made transparent.
This is relevant and important in that the hospital commissioner position is one tasked with working for a public hospital district; issues that relate to women’s health services, or financial provisions for same, need to be considered with the best interest of all women in mind.
It is not clear, given Henninger’s lack of transparency, and in light of her above history, personal, and religious beliefs, if or how she plans to remain unbiased should any related issues arise in the duties of hospital commissioner.
It is generally more alarming to discover what candidates do not reveal; voters need this information to make their decision.
Dr. Katherine Hennessey,
Port Angeles