School Health Clinics

Bishop Leo T. Maher’s irresponsible attempt to interfere with the installation of a school-based health clinic at Hoover High, which is supported by a large majority of the parents, is an outrageous abuse of his office.

It would be one thing for him to criticize this action, which he certainly is entitled to do, but quite another, to agitate a vociferous minority to assist him in an attempt to abort the majority’s expressed desire.

Does Maher really want to convey the impression that the Catholic Church does not care one whit about the health of our young people? Since a large percentage of students use present school facilities for primary health care, the need is obvious. Or, does Maher forget that the “role of the family” he cites is much diminished at present? Many families are in serious disarray to the point of abandoning their teen-agers, according to last reports. This puts the burden for providing health and other services on public institutions.

Should the school clinic provide needed counseling and contraceptives, in addition to general health services, this would be only to the good. Or, does Maher really believe that, because he wishes it, young people will refrain from sex?

It is time that the good bishop and the Catholic hierarchy put their feet firmly on the ground, and face the realities of our time. The thousands of letters Maher desires to protest the clinic should be directed to him to demand that he stop trying to control other people’s lives. The clinic is important not only to the students, but to the entire community.

HANS JOVISHOFF

San Diego